Newsletter: San Diego ends gun range agreements with federal immigration agencies
Plus, how Medicaid cuts are impacting everyone in California.
In case you missed it, Daylight San Diego launched a paid membership program in July, and we kicked it off with a successful summer campaign!
Through five weeks of emails and social media outreach, we exceeded our $10,000 goal. While our journalism is available for free on our website, in our newsletter and via various social media platforms, monthly recurring funding through memberships helps us to plan future reporting and eventually grow our team.
The Lenfest Institute supported Daylight’s paid membership launch through a grant, which allowed our team to work with consultant Karen Singer with CAS Creative, LLC.
A huge shoutout to Singer and Lenfest for your support, and thank you so much to everyone who made our campaign a success by signing up as a Sunset, Sunrise and Golden Hour member or by making a one-time donation. We couldn’t have reached our goal without you!
— Lauren J. Mapp
P.S. It’s never too late to support our work! Head to our website to become a member or make a one-time donation on Givebutter.
County ends gun range leases to immigration agencies
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved a proposal on Tuesday that would end agreements that allowed federal immigration agencies to use county gun ranges. ICE and Customs and Border Protection have used the facilities for years for mandatory firearm training.
— Jenna Ramiscal
Funding cuts leaves art community rattled
San Diego arts advocates gathered at Rise San Diego’s sixth installment of RISE Arts Talks, where a panel of art organizers said the fight against Mayor Todd Gloria’s proposed $11.8 million cut to arts funding left the community with lasting trauma but also a deeper connection, making it more prepared for the next budget battle.
— Rami Alarian
Joe Fejeran received San Diego Pride's 2026 Community Service Award at the Spirit of Stonewall Rally for his dedication to volunteering and community-building. He said his Pride Parade ride following the recognition of his work was a "Princess Diana moment" — waving to the crowd, Guam flag in hand.
— Sam Barney-Gibbs
Will Uber and Lyft drivers win a contract?
After a years-long battle for worker rights that pulled the governor’s office and state legislators into the fray, Uber and Lyft drivers in California are on the doorstep of having their own union to negotiate with the rideshare giants. Can they win contracts? That answer isn’t nearly as clear.
— Story by Mark Kreidler, Capital & Main
Why are California schools returning arts funding?
Three years after voters passed an ambitious arts education funding measure, California’s K-12 schools were supposed to be awash in dance, music, theater and fine arts. But some schools are returning their arts money to the state, saying the rules on how to spend it are too vague and they can’t find enough arts teachers.
— Story by Carolyn Jones, CalMatters
How Medicaid cuts impact everyone
Recent federal and state Medicaid cuts are expected to double the state’s uninsured rate, causing 2.2 million people to lose insurance by 2030. Low-income patients who rely on public insurance programs like Medicaid — Medi-Cal in California — will be hit hardest, but people with commercial insurance will feel the effects too.
— Story by Kristen Hwang, CalMatters
ICE plans to spend more than $20 million to give its officers electric-shock gloves, and a new mapping tool is allowing community members to document border wall construction. Here's what happened last week in immigration news.
— Jenna Ramiscal
Weekend Energy: Aug. 20 - Aug. 26
This week San Diegans can participate in rallies and discussions about Flock cameras, attend a surf-themed to book-centered festivals and watch a national breaking competition. Alliance San Diego and TRUST SD Coalition are hosting events that advocate for the removal of Flock surveillance cameras. Super Girl Surf Festival is returning to Oceanside Pier with free music, professional surfers and vendors.
— Jenna Ramiscal
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Other news
Denver Summit Football Club player Carson Pickett, who was born without her left forearm, met kids who also have limb differences following the team’s match against the San Diego Wave last Friday, according to the team's Instagram.
Balboa Park needs nearly $1 billion to address deferred maintenance and capital improvement projects, according to a recent investigation from inewsource and San Diego Documenters. While buildings in the so-called “crown jewel of San Diego” have a backlog of needed repairs, the park has no revenue of its own. Last year, San Diego City Council approved a paid parking plan for the park, but the council voted to end it by Jan. 1 following public outcry.
San Diego officials are investigating a salmonella outbreak linked to mayonnaise produced by a Ramona market and made with eggs supplied by Happy Hens poultry farm, according to the county. As of Monday, the county counted 21 cases and seven hospitalizations since the outbreak was first reported in late July.
County officials urged community members to cook eggs until both the yolk and white are firm, throw away cracked or dirty eggs and to always wash hands, utensils and prep surfaces to avoid cross-contamination.
The Institute of Contemporary Art San Diego laid off nearly half its staff in its Balboa Park and Encinitas locations on Monday, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported. Executive Director Andrew Utt said the downsizing comes amid major cuts to arts funding at the local, state and federal level. Monday’s announcement follows layoffs at the San Diego Museum of Art earlier this month.
San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative is running a survey to develop plans, tools and resources to address extreme heat conditions in the region.
Multiple sailors attempted to go overboard on the USS Abraham Lincoln, according to the Navy Times. The aircraft carrier deployed a week before last Thanksgiving and was anticipated to return to San Diego in May, but the deployment to the Middle East was continuously extended for months because of the war with Iran.
Normally, while on deployment, sailors can occasionally leave the ship during food and supply restocks, but the Abraham Lincoln’s crew has spent more than 200 days at sea without a port call, according to ABC News. Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns over supply shortages, plumbing issues and impacts to mental health, The New York Times reported.
The USS George Washington arrived in the Middle East to relieve the Abraham Lincoln on Wednesday, according to CNN. The New York Times reported that the Abraham Lincoln is now headed back to San Diego, a journey that will take about four to five weeks.
Live Nation plans to convert the Wonder Bread Building in East Village into a 4,000-person music venue, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported. The company bought the building in June and is now seeking permits to preserve the historic building and add a second story.
The county’s Economic Development and Government Affairs office is inviting community members to help shape its 2027 legislative priorities by submitting public comments or attending a virtual forum on Aug. 25. The public comment period closes on Sept. 14.
Upcoming Events
Aug. 21
California Coast Jazz Festival: Milestones — A Miles Davis Centennial Celebration: KSDS Jazz 88 is presenting a three-day festival marking the 100th anniversary of Miles Davis' birth with 16 concerts, rare film screenings and panel discussions tracing the arc of his career. Aug. 21-23, Wyndham Bayside Hotel, 1355 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Super Girl Surf Festival: The world’s largest women’s surf competition returns to Oceanside with an oceanfront festival featuring free concerts, more than 175 pro surfers, vendors and a festival village. Aug. 21-23, Oceanside Pier, Oceanside, CA 92054
ARTS After Dark: Animal Felt Tiles: A Reason to Survive is hosting an art-making event led by artist Alo Varela, where guests design animal felt prints with decorative elements while enjoying music and drinks. Guests must be 18 or older. Tickets available online for $25. 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., A Reason To Survive (ARTS), 200 East 12th St., National City, CA, 91950
The Rise of Islamophobic Violence: The Islamic Center of San Diego is hosting Amin Asfari, associate professor and Law Foundation of Saskatchewan Chair in Police Studies at the University of Regina, who unpacks how White supremacist ideology, conspiracy theories and social media fuel targeted attacks on Muslim communities. After Maghrib, Islamic Center of San Diego, 7050 Eckstrom Ave., San Diego, CA 92111
Aug. 22
African Diaspora Caribbean Carnaval: Cousinfolk Productions and gARTen Network are hosting an inaugural carnival celebrating African diaspora and Caribbean culture, featuring food, live music, live art, capoeira exhibition, vendors, a costume contest, games and a petting zoo. All ages are welcome. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., S&S Friendly Ranch, 2105 Hollister St., San Diego, CA 92154
KPBS San Diego Book Festival: KPBS and the University of San Diego are hosting a free, public festival for book lovers of all ages, featuring panel discussions with award-winning authors, a main stage with live entertainment, more than 100 local authors and independent booksellers, and a youth reading stage and exploration area. Free registration online. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., University of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park Way, San Diego, CA 92110
Revolutionary Yoga + Letter Writing to Political Prisoners: As part of its Black August Series, Party for Socialism and Liberation is hosting an in-person event combining yoga with letter writing to political prisoners connected to the Black liberation movement. No experience needed; bring your own mat. RSVP link in bio. Suggested donation is $10, 10 a.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 6401 Skyline Drive, San Diego, CA 92114
Back to College Vintage Clothing Market: Exchange is partnering with Experience Mission Valley for a one-day vintage and thrift shopping event featuring San Diego State University, University of San Diego and University of California San Diego merch, live music and a cornhole tournament. 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Mission Valley Mall, 1640 Camino Del Rio N, San Diego, CA 92108
Philippine Cultural Arts Festival: Samahan Filipino American Performing Arts Company is hosting its annual SamaFest, a weekend of Filipino culture with a kids area, traditional dances, live entertainment, food and local vendors. Free admission. Aug. 22 - 23, Saturday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Balboa Park, President's Way Lawn, Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101
General Membership Meeting & Potluck: The Green Party of San Diego County is holding its monthly general membership meeting and potluck. The meeting is hybrid, held in-person and online. 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Joyce Beers Community Center, 3900 Vermont St., San Diego, CA 92103, and online at meet.google.com/mdz-ydsd-izk
San Diego Taiwan Festival: Taiwanese American Professionals - San Diego is hosting its third annual Taiwan Festival, inspired by 環島, a journey around the island. The festival features food, art, music, cultural games and raffle prizes celebrating Taiwanese culture. Free tickets available online. 1 - 5 p.m., NTC Park, Liberty Station, 2455 Cushing Road, San Diego, CA 92106
Aug. 23
Crochet Collective: Casa Casillas Gallery & Artist Space is hosting a crochet meetup as part of its August lineup of free art programs and workshops. 1:30 p.m., Casa Casillas, 50 4th Ave., Chula Vista CA 91910
North Park Square Dance: Verbatim Books is hosting a square dance open to all ages and experience levels. Clinton Davis, Ryan Finch, By The Lee and Kate Rubin will perform live fiddle music with calling by Megan Tresenriter. 7 p.m., Verbatim Books, 3793 30th St., San Diego, CA 92104
Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra: Night Blooms World Tour: Jeff Goldblum and his band, The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, are bringing their "Night Blooms World Tour" to The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. The band is joining forces with the San Diego Symphony for an evening of jazz and American Songbook classics. Tickets are available online. 7:30 p.m., The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego, CA 92101, San Diego, CA 92101
