Newsletter: The 51st anniversary of the Fall of Saigon
Plus, we’re suing San Diego for police records.
April 30 marks the end of the Vietnam War, a date that continues to carry deep meaning for Vietnamese and Lao communities shaped by displacement, resettlement and the long tail of its impacts across generations.
In San Diego, those legacies are still unfolding. This week, I reported on how local Lao community members are advocating to have Lao history included in California school curriculums — part of a broader push to ensure Southeast Asian stories are recognized, taught and preserved.
That context will be at the center of “Reflections on the War in Southeast Asia,” a free event hosted in City Heights tonight by Viet Voices commemorating the 51st anniversary of the war's end. The evening will include food and a mini “crash course” presentation on the war and its broader impacts from Catherine Quan Potmesil, who is a doctoral candidate in history with a focus on Southeast Asian refugee studies at UC San Diego.
The event also features a panel on the history and future of Vietnamese and Lao communities discussing what “a healed future looks like.”
— Lauren J. Mapp
Renewed push to bring Lao history to light
Lao history has long been left out of California classrooms — even though the United States dropped more bombs in Laos than in any other war. Now, San Diego educators, students and community leaders are pushing for local politicians to include Lao history and culture in K-12 schools.
— Lauren J. Mapp
Where to demonstrate on May Day
May Day is Friday, and communities across San Diego are planning rallies and marches centered on worker rights, immigration and collective power. Whether you’re looking to protest, learn or simply be in community, we’ve rounded up what’s happening and how to get involved.
— Lauren J. Mapp
Grieving a brother’s death in ICE custody
After his brother was taken into Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in Texas, Naseer Paktiawal said he called an ambulance and begged officers to get him medical care. Within 24 hours, his brother was dead. Paktiawal recounted the final hours leading up to his brother’s death, and why he believes it could have been prevented.
— Story by Kate Morrissey for Capital & Main
Prosecutors in Minnesota and Colorado charged immigration officials with assault. ICE acknowledged that a 17th person died in its custody already this year. The House voted to keep Temporary Protected Status for Haitians. Here's what happened last week in immigration news.
— Kate Morrissey
California limits on anonymous immigration agents blocked
A federal appeals court on Wednesday struck down California’s requirement that masked federal agents identify themselves, a blow to the state’s ongoing resistance to the Trump administration’s deportation program.
— Story by Nigel Duara, CalMatters
Voters may decide on new tax proposition come November
California’s secretary of state announced Tuesday that a tax-chopping proposition — one backers have spent years trying to put before voters — is now officially eligible for the November ballot. Come fall, anti-tax advocates and real estate developers may have reason to rejoice; city governments, public sector unions and the city of Los Angeles could have reason to worry.
— Story by Ben Christopher, CalMatters
ICE opens new detention center in former prison
Immigration and Customs Enforcement again has expanded in California’s Central Valley, opening a 700-bed detention facility in a former prison. Advocates say the agency began transferring immigrant detainees to the McFarland facility last week.
— Story by Wendy Fry, CalMatters
California imports more gas made from Russian oil
To ensure it has enough fuel, California is importing refined products from abroad just as the Iran war tightens global crude oil supplies. But the state has been able to get a lifeline from a surprising source — fuel made from Russian oil is surging into the state, even though such sales are used to finance that nation’s ongoing war with Ukraine.
— Story by Aaron Cantú, Capital & Main
Weekend Energy: April 30 - May 6
This week marks the beginning of May, and San Diego has events to honor and celebrate May Day, as well as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Mental Health Awareness Month and Cinco de Mayo.
— Maya Srikrishnan
P.S. We're suing the city for police records. With legal support from the First Amendment Coalition, Kate filed a lawsuit yesterday against the city of San Diego over public records requests related to incidents when San Diego police showed up to immigration enforcement operations.
To support our accountability reporting related to immigration, consider a one-time or recurring donation.
Other news
San Diego residents have until April 30 to apply for a financial assistance program that helps cover city trash collection fees. Eligible customers can have half — or, in some cases, all — of their fees covered up to $261.60, depending on available funding.
To qualify, applicants must own and live in their home as a primary residence, and use the city’s trash and recycling services. Households also must meet income requirements — at or below 60% California’s State Median Income (for example, $3,331 per month for one person or $6,407 per month for four people) — or include someone enrolled in Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Democratic Rep. Juan Vargas claimed at a recent protest that he has not received funding from the pro-Israel lobbying group American Israel Public Affairs Committe. But, campaign finance records from the Federal Elections Commission show that the organization has been his largest donor in the last two election cycles, according to KPBS. AIPAC donated $162,052 to Vargas’ campaign during the 2024 cycle, which is the highest amount by a single funder.
The Daily Aztec covered how San Diego’s night life is being shaped by social media. Instead of checking out places solely on word of mouth, Adrielle Hasara, the outlet's social media editor, reported that many college students frequent whatever bars are trending on TikTok or Instagram.
The County Medical Examiner’s Office is asking the public for help identifying a woman who drowned in the Tijuana River in 2022. Fingerprint checks of the woman did not identify her, but the county published a facial reconstruction rendering based on the woman’s remains last week to aid in the search.
San Diego County is one of the most polluted regions of the country according to a 2026 air quality report, which ranked it as the fifth-worst for annual particle pollution, KPBS reported.
The San Diego Union-Tribune shared what restaurants locals recommend so far this year. The spots include mainstays like 3rd Corner in Ocean Beach, Sultan Baklava in El Cajon and Mujeres Brew House in Barrio Logan.
Upcoming Events
April 30
Reflections on the War in Southeast Asia: On the anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, Viet Voices is hosting a community panel discussion to connect past to present and explore what a healed future looks like for the Vietnamese and Lao community. RSVP online to receive the address. 6 - 8 p.m., City Heights, San Diego, CA
May 1
Estilo y Gracia: Lou Lou’s Jungle Room is hosting Estilo y Gracia, an Afro-Cuban ensemble founded by percussionist Jose Perez, known for his work with Poncho Sanchez. The group features a lineup of Los Angeles-based musicians and blends traditional rhythms with improvisation and tight arrangements. The performance highlights the depth and evolution of Afro-Cuban music in an intimate setting. This event is 21+ with first-come, first-served seating and no dinner service. Doors at 7 p.m., Lou Lou’s Jungle Room, 2223 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
Art & Resistance: Pillars of the Community and All Rise present an art exhibit and panel conversation hosted by Ramel J. Wallace featuring four San Diego visual artists exploring the connection between resistance and the creative process. Free admission; food and beverages provided. Exhibit opens 5:30 p.m., panel 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., 502 Fergus St., San Diego, CA 92114
SCEDC Economic Summit 2026: The South County Economic Development Council hosts its Economic Summit, which will explore themes including the potential impacts of fiscal and monetary easing, key sector growth drivers shaping the regional economy, the continued evolution of artificial intelligence and how these forces intersect to create growth and opportunity throughout the binational region. The annual summit gathers over 500 business and community leaders and public officials, and is considered one of the premier business events in San Diego. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Liberty Station Conference Center, 2600 Laning Road, San Diego, CA 92106
May 2
Building Together Mural Festival Block Party: Vision Culture Foundation and Rottweiler present a family-friendly art block party at National City Public Works in collaboration with the city of National City to reveal a mural. The mural was designed to reflect the workers, families, elders and youth of National City. DJs Saturn Blvd, DJ Jay Elements and DJems will perform. Vendors can apply online. Noon - 6 p.m., 1726 Wilson Ave., National City, CA 91950
Print Day in May: San Diego Printmaking Society is hosting a community celebration of printmaking with live demonstrations, prints, zines and opportunities to engage with local artists. The global event highlights access, creativity and community through printmaking. 2 - 8 p.m., Union Hall Gallery, 2323 Broadway, Suite 201, San Diego, CA 92102
San Diego Made Spring Market: San Diego Made is hosting a spring market featuring 120 makers in downtown La Mesa. The market will include interactive art installations, floral stands and kids activities. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., La Mesa Village, La Mesa Boulevard between Palm Ave. & 4th St., La Mesa, CA 91942
May 3
Tea Meditation: The Saint in partnership with Paantine are hosting a volunteer-offering tea meditation on the first Sunday of each month. No prior experience needed; drop in at any point during the session. 2 - 3 p.m., 4538 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92116
SD Families for Justice Solidarity Event: San Diego Families for Justice hosts a solidarity event at Otay Mesa Detention Center. 1:30 p.m., Otay Mesa Detention Center, 7488 Calzada De La Fuente, San Diego, CA 92154
Songkran Celebration: The San Diego Asian and Pacific Islander Coalition is hosting a celebration for the Thai New Year. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Wat Buddhajakra, 139 W 11th Ave., Escondido, CA 92025
Baddie Clothes Swap and Wellness Market: Be Feliz Fit is hosting a community clothing swap and wellness market featuring local vendors, self-care products, jewelry and mental health resources. Attendees are encouraged to bring up to 10 gently used clothing items to swap, with an emphasis on inclusivity across all sizes. Mending services and a curated vendor experience will also be available, and remaining items will be donated to a local nonprofit supporting families in crisis. Online registration is required for this free event. Noon - 4 p.m., Mujeres Brew House, 1983 Julian Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
