Sam Barney-Gibbs (he/they) is a journalist with a strong drive to cover political stories (because everything is political!). He is a member of the Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists and previously worked with CNN's Michael Smerconish, The News Movement/The Recount and the United Nations. He became an award-winning editor in chief of Lehigh University's 150-person newsroom, acting as the only news source representing the South Bethlehem community.
Newsletter
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
LGBTQ+
From city proclamations to multi-day festivals, there are many ways to share LGBTQ+ pride across the county. LGBTQ+ pride season spans at least two months in San Diego, with events honoring the nationally recognized Pride Month throughout June and official San Diego Pride events in mid-July. From city-wide flag raisings
Faith & Religion
The day after three men were killed at the Islamic Center of San Diego, hundreds of community members, religious and nonprofit leaders, and government officials gathered to pray and pay respect to the victims and their families. Written by Sam Barney-Gibbs, Edited by Lauren J. Mapp Some with flowers, others
Weekend Energy
This week, San Diegans can join a reading series or book swap, celebrate Bike Anywhere Day by riding through San Diego’s green spaces and jam out to vinyl beats. Written by Sam Barney-Gibbs, Edited by Lauren J. Mapp Editor's note: We have used AI to help us
Newsletter
Plus, how to get involved in local environmental activism and The All-American Rejects rock San Diego Corrected on May 14, 2026 at 10:15 p.m. to reflect that the Ukrainian woman needs an RSL interpreter, not an ASL interpreter. It was also updated to reflect that two stories were
Environment
Some of San Diego’s leading environmental advocates share how to support local causes. Written by Sam Barney-Gibbs, Edited by Lauren J. Mapp Climate anxiety is more than just a buzz phrase. It’s a studied phenomenon with various definitions that revolve around the same theme: pervasive worry about the
Health & Wellness
Attending local meditations, sound baths, nature walks and panels can help support your mental health Written by Sam Barney-Gibbs, Edited by Maya Srikrishnan May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to share stories of struggle, reduce stigma and build community connections around mental health. Here are a few cost-free
Education
Community members discussed the misunderstood past and hopeful future of the war’s long-lasting impacts during an event commemorating its 51st anniversary. Written by Sam Barney-Gibbs, Edited by Lauren J. Mapp “Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây…When eating fruit, remember who planted the tree,” Mimi Phùng said to dozens
Weekend Energy
From guided art walks and live jazz music to community cleanups and discussion-based workshops, here’s what’s happening across the county. Written by Sam Barney-Gibbs, Edited by Lauren J. Mapp Editor's note: We have used AI to help us extract information from event flyers, but humans have
Arts & Culture
Seven local, female artists redefine gossip as the empowering act of sharing personal stories with their community Written by Sam Barney-Gibbs, Edited by Lauren J. Mapp Amber Schnitzius works in health insurance. She calls it her “boring job,” but it supports her creative side hustle as a ceramic artist. Much
Newsletter
Plus, get to know some local environmental leaders Hi friends! This week marks the beginning of Earth Month. Each year, people celebrate environmental activism and its evolution since the modern movement began in 1970. More than 20 million Americans participated in the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. Now,
Environment
Those steering the fight for sustainable communities and climate action say San Diegans must believe in the power of the people to enact positive environmental change. Written by Sam Barney-Gibbs, Edited by Maya Srikrishnan, Lauren J. Mapp and Kate Morrissey Local environmental activism can begin in one's backyard