Newsletter: Why isn't the mayor releasing records about SDPD and ICE?
Plus, a local art gallery dedicated to mental health and wellness
As attention turned to the Trump administration's immigration enforcement practices last year, San Diegans began asking questions about why San Diego police were sometimes showing up to Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.
Last week, I published an investigation into what happened when San Diego police showed up while community members were protesting and filming ICE at the 47th Street Trolley Station in November 2025. The video footage shows ICE agents and police escalating rather than de-escalating the situation.
Back in July 2025, Mayor Todd Gloria said he would require the San Diego Police Department to report to him anytime officers showed up to a situation involving ICE.
In December 2025, I requested those communications. It's now September 2026, and I still do not have them.
Every few weeks, the city sends me an update to my public records request that says it is reviewing the records for exemptions. I asked the mayor's office this week what is causing the extensive delay, and the office did not respond.
— Kate Morrissey
The art gallery dedicated to mental health
San Diego artist and abstract painter Stephen Williams runs an art gallery downtown that has become a hub for mental health and wellness events. Williams’ own work also tackles mental health topics, and he's offering a free art therapy class today at the gallery for World Suicide Prevention Day.
— Kate Morrissey
A mother held at Otay Mesa Detention Center says months of delayed and inadequate medical care have left her with a serious kidney infection and worsening pain.
— Story by Kate Morrissey, Capital & Main
ICE arrests reached their highest monthly total of Trump’s second term, Border Patrol detained immigrant commercial truck drivers on Arizona highways, and immigrants sent to Liberia alleged abusive treatment by ICE during detention and removal. Here's what happened last week in immigration news.
— Emma Chen
This week, San Diegans can recharge with Viridian Productions and Move with Love Healing at a wellness fair in North Park, celebrate Mexican Independence at an art showcase curated by Skreem Meme and connect with neighbors over food and live music at Love Thy Neighbor. Foodshed Cooperative is offering a free cooking class for pregnant and new parents in City Heights, while those looking for some cross-border fall fun can head south as La Ruta del Maíz opens its pumpkin fields for the season.
— Yanelli Zavina Robles
Other news
At its annual gala in Washington, the Council on American-Islamic Relations is recognizing the three men killed in the shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego with the 2026 American Muslim of the Year award for their heroic efforts to stop the gunmen.
KPBS reported that the parents of one of the teens who participated in the attack on the mosque and school are suing a mental health facility where he was living and receiving treatment.
Toxic, cancer-causing chemicals are affecting safety in homes and a grocery store in the Chollas Creek neighborhood, inewsource reported.
A small plane crashed at Montgomery-Gibbs Airport in Kearny Mesa, killing two people, NBC 7 reported.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained a City College student and pursued another onto campus, City Times reported. Students rallied to support their peers on Wednesday, KPBS reported. Both of the students are Haitian.
Petco Park's Gallagher Square might have to reduce its concert noise depending on the outcome of a lawsuit from nearby residents, Times of San Diego reported.
The city of La Mesa will host its first Pride event in 2027, KPBS reported.
Upcoming Events
Sept. 11
La Ruta del Maíz Pumpkin Patch: A pumpkin patch near Tijuana is reopening its pumpkin fields, fall displays, seasonal flower fields, a cafe, farm animals and other family-friendly activities. Outside food and beverages are not permitted, except water. Pets are not allowed.
🗓️ Sept. 11- Oct. 31 (Closed on Tuesdays)
⏰ Noon p.m. - 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday
🌎 La Ruta del Maíz, C32F+RP, 22165 Hermanos Heredia, B.C., México
🎟️ 180 pesos ($11 USD) for guests 2 and older
No Country for Mothers Screening: Children First Collective San Diego is hosting a screening of the documentary "No Country for Mothers," which examines the challenges facing American families, followed by a community panel discussion. The evening also includes food, drinks and family-friendly activities.
⏰ 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
🌎 Stone Brewing, 2816 Historic Decatur Road, Unit 116, San Diego, CA 92106
🎟️ Reserve adult tickets online for $25; Kids under 18 are free
Discos y Wepas Vol. 3: Cesar Bday Bash: Diskos Rayados is hosting a birthday celebration for Cesar featuring DJ sets by Catkiller, La Crunchy 619, Pax and Bailando Sin Cesar.
⏰ 9 p.m.
🌎 Whistle Stop Bar, 2236 Fern St., San Diego, CA 92104
Sept. 12
Contact Improvisation: Fundamentals: Tess Collins, Nhu Nguyen, Elie Prana and Richie Villa are hosting an end of summer somatic dance improvisation workshop series. This class series is beginner-inclusive for new or early contact improvisers interested in understanding the practice.
⏰ 12:30 p.m. - 6 p.m
🌎 Liberty Station, 2650 Truxtun Rd., Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92106
🎟️ Register online starting at $100
Love Thy Neighbor, vol. IV: Nuestras Calles: Little Room SD and the City Heights Defense Committee are bringing together local organizers, artists and vendors for a community block party. The event will feature performances by The Valves and Killer Trees, vinyl sounds by Cafecito Vinyl Club and local vendors.
⏰ 3 p.m. - 10 p.m
🌎 Pop-Up Winona, 4951 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92115
🎟️ $10 donation
Grito de Guerra: Skreem Meme curates Grito de Guerra, a collective art showcase.This group exhibition will feature 30 local San Diego artists honoring Mexican Independence, live loteria with Analy Sandez and Braiding for a Cause with Ponte Your Moños.
⏰ 4:20 p.m. - 9 p.m.
🌎 Mujeres Brew House, 1983 Julian Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
54th BonitaFest: The annual BonitaFest celebration is returning with the Twilight Trail Parade, followed by a performing arts festival and street fair. The parade begins at the Sunnyside Saddle Club, followed by the festival and street fair starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center.
⏰ 6 p.m.
🌎 Sunnyside Saddle Club, 4548 Sweetwater Rd., Bonita, CA 91902 and Bonita Museum & Cultural Center, 4355 Bonita Rd., Bonita, CA 91902
Bat Walk Meetup: The San Diego River Park Foundation is hosting a Bat Walk Meetup where guests can learn about San Diego’s native bats, meet a live bat ambassador and take a guided walk using bioacoustics.
⏰ 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
🌎 2310 Camino Del Rio N, San Diego, CA 92108
🎟️ Free
Sept. 13
Laps of Love: Heal Palestine, Mom Walks for Palestine and Palestine Pals of San Diego are hosting a kid's fun run to support children in Gaza.
⏰ Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.; run begins at 9:30 a.m.
🌎 Nobel Athletic Area, 8810 Judicial Drive, San Diego, CA 92122
🎟️ Register online for $25
Journey Through the Wetlands: San Diego Refuges and San Diego Bird Alliance are hosting a free, family-friendly celebration of Latino Conservation Week with guided walks, bilingual nature talks, arts and crafts at the Tijuana Estuary.
⏰ 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
🌎 Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, 301 Caspian Way, Imperial Beach, CA 91932
🎟️ Free
Chikle Mural Community Celebration: Community members can celebrate the completion of “Estación Libertad,” a mural inspired by the culture, stories and spirit of San Diego and Tijuana.
⏰ 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
🌎 Arts District Liberty Station, 2710 Historic Decatur Road, Suite 201, San Diego, CA 92106
