Plus, how to get involved in local environmental activism and The All-American Rejects rock San Diego
Before you keep reading, inhale through your nose for four seconds, hold it for four seconds — don’t worry, I’ll wait! Now, exhale for four more seconds.
Awesome! You just took a small but crucial step in creating a mindfulness routine to support your mental health. It may seem trivial, but consistent self-care, tending to the mental side of your overall health, is actually linked to lower rates of anxiety and depression, according to the National Institute of Health.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to share stories of struggle, reduce stigma and build community connections around mental health.
We want to equip our community of readers with actionable steps to create mental health care routines and highlight some local events that increase awareness of mental health in San Diego.
First, Mental Wellness Center suggests taking the time to reflect on what needs must be prioritized that may have fallen to the wayside, like rest, eating or social connection.
Next, pick out some attainable and sustainable actions that support these priorities, like revamping your nighttime routine, creating a staple grocery list or planning out time with friends just as you would medical appointments or work responsibilities.
Small steps that are as simple and short as taking five minutes to try out a breathing exercise to calm the nervous system,10 minutes to take a walk or journal during your lunch break or investing in an hour-long yoga class can help bring some balance and consistency that the brain craves.
The National Institute of Mental Health highlights important self-care categories like movement, community-building, nutrition, sleep and self-reflection as key to maintaining a healthy mind.
For San Diegans, nature escapes like coastal walks or inland trails, libraries and community centers with events and local farmers markets act as consistent spaces to rely on for some mindfulness time, Scripps Health recommends.
However you choose to begin or bolster your mental health care journey, we also suggest checking out some local events honoring mental health awareness.
— Sam Barney-Gibbs
Illustration by Sam Barney-Gibbs/Daylight San Diego
Mental Health Awareness Month events
Celebrate this Mental Health Awareness Month by attending local meditations, sound baths, nature walks and panels. Here are a few cost-free ways to mindfully start or strengthen your own mental health care practices.
— Sam Barney-Gibbs
The All-American Rejects perform for a crowd of nearly 600 people in Lisa Lower-Richter’s and Shawn Richter’s backyard in Alpine. Lauren J. Mapp/Daylight San Diego
The All-American Rejects rock out in Alpine
When The All-American Rejects couldn’t play their original venue hours before showtime, an Alpine couple stepped in to host a 600-person house party in their backyard. The homeowners and attendees shared how the chaotic scramble transformed a residential hillside into an intimate concert venue, and how the band’s DIY tour pushes back against rising ticket prices and the growing corporatization of live music.
— Lauren J. Mapp
Activists, including Public Power San Diego program coordinator Isaiah Glasoe (second from right) and San Diego 350 executive director Masada Disenhouse (right-most) hold signs with messages in opposition to the partnership between SDG&E and the City of San Diego at a city council meeting on Dec. 11, 2025. Sam Barney-Gibbs/Daylight San Diego
How to get involved in San Diego environmental activism
Daylight spoke with four local leaders in environmental justice who shared their advice for San Diegans looking to support the cause.
— Sam Barney-Gibbs
Border Patrol agents stand on the beach near Friendship Park inside California’s Border Field State Park. Kate Morrissey/Daylight San Diego
Sexual violence by CBP and ICE
A journalist and human rights researchers found more than 170 instances of allegations of sexual misconduct against agents and officers working for Customs and Border Protection or Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to a letter sent to Congress on Wednesday. The letter comes as members of Congress are considering giving CBP and ICE more than $60 billion in additional funding.
— Kate Morrissey
Several people who were arrested after a protest at the mayor’s office are arraigned in state court in March 2026. Kate Morrissey/Daylight San Diego
50 hours of community service for mayor’s office protestors
Four of six people arrested at San Diego’s City Hall in January while protesting the mayor and San Diego police were granted misdemeanor diversion, meaning their charges will be dismissed if they complete 50 hours of community service and don’t commit crimes for a year.
— Kate Morrissey
Government fails to provide fair ASL interpretation
A deaf Ukrainian asylum seeker has been unable to complete her Los Angeles asylum interview twice because the government failed to provide adequate Russian Sign Language interpretation. Her attorney argues this violates her client’s constitutional due process rights, and the case remains unresolved.
— Kate Morrissey
Cars head north at the San Ysidro Port of Entry in 2021. Elenilson Armando Coto Delgado requested protection there in 2019. Kate Morrissey/Daylight San Diego
Salvadoran man says he suffered a stroke awaiting deportation
Elenilson Armando Coto Delgado, who is being held in detention in Tacoma, Washington, said he suffered a stroke in late April while facing imminent deportation to El Salvador’s CECOT prison, where U.S. deportees have been tortured. His family says ICE has severely restricted his communication.
— Kate Morrissey
Illustration by Kate Morrissey/Daylight San Diego
This week includes multiple clothing swaps and night markets as well as a book bedazzling party. San Diegans can also dance to the pioneers of cumbia punk, check out a circus show or attend a lunch to support student journalists.
— Kate Morrissey
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Other news
The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 10,500 people and removed 16,400 from San Diego and Imperial counties in the first 14 months of Trump’s second term. Notably, 1,454 arrests occurred near sensitive locations like schools and churches. ICE declined to disclose how many deportees had criminal records.
California’s primary for state superintendent of public instruction is drawing little attention, CalMatters found, as 32% of voters are undecided and no candidate tops 10% support. The race is overshadowed by the governor’s race and a Newsom proposal that would strip the superintendent of most meaningful duties by transferring control of the state’s 10,000 public schools to the governor’s office. Leading candidates include San Diego Unified board member Richard Barrera, Chino Valley school board member Sonja Shaw, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, former Senate education committee chair Josh Newman, former Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, and LA Community College board member Nichelle Henderson.
ICE blocked U.S. Reps. Mike Levin and Sara Jacobs from speaking with detainees at Otay Mesa Detention Center, citing a new memo that requires 48-hour advanced notice and named consent from each detainee, NBC 7 reported. It was the pair’s second failed oversight attempt, but a federal court has upheld lawmakers’ right to conduct such visits since the first attempt.
May 15
Glow & Flow Night Market: Sound by the Sea is hosting a vendor market featuring local makers, vintage goods, art, ceramics, wearables, prints and small-batch food, with vinyl played all night on hi-fi sound selectors. Vendor spots are still available; apply online. 5 – 10 p.m., Sound by the Sea, 325 S Coast Hwy., Oceanside, CA 92054
Groove Line Night and Open Tables: 619 Gurlz are hosting an open turntables night at Mixed Grounds Coffee celebrating Rosa’s birthday. Sign up via DM to claim a spin slot. Bring a stack of records. 6 – 10 p.m., Mixed Grounds Coffee, 4355 30th St., San Diego, CA 92104
Son Rompe Pera at Quartyard: Bad Vibes Good Friends presents Son Rompe Pera — described as pioneers of cumbia punk — along with La Maguana and DJ Bootsy Bolaños at Quartyard. The event is open to all ages. 6 – 9 p.m., Quartyard, 1301 Market St. #3, San Diego, CA 92101
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
May 16
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, California, 92115
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
Balboa Park Women’s Tour: Forever Balboa Park hosts a tour highlighting influential women like Kate Sessions — who is considered the mother of Balboa Park — on the third Saturday of each month starting at Bea Evenson Fountain. 10 a.m., Bea Evenson Fountain, 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
SD Families for Justice Family Yoga and Succulent Swap: San Diego Families for Justice, in partnership with Yoga for Immigrant Justice, hosts a family yoga session and playground fun at Tecolote Shores. 10 a.m., Tecolote Shores, 1344 E Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
NAHJ San Diego/Tijuana Chapter Scholarship Luncheon: The National Association of Hispanic Journalists San Diego/Tijuana chapter is hosting its 2026 scholarship luncheon. Tickets are available online. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Fermanian Business Center, Point Loma Nazarene University, 3900 Lomaland Drive, San Diego, CA 92106
Fern Street Circus: Fern Street Community Arts is hosting a free community circus performance (on Oregon Street between Howard and Polk Avenues) where professional artists collaborate with participants and their families to create cultural exchange, combining physical and theatrical skills. 2 p.m., North Park Recreation Center, 4044 Idaho St., San Diego, CA 92104
Disco Night: Soul Side Vinyl is presenting a disco night featuring the Tim Chan Experience with special guests DJ Optic and DJ Junior. Trev Muello will teach dance lessons. RSVP for free online and receive a $3 dy-no-mite shot. 9 p.m. – close, Goodbar, 1872 Rosecrans St., San Diego, CA 92106
May 17
Books Thru Bars Community Combine: City Farmers Nursery is collecting gently used or new softcover books through May 17 to distribute to incarcerated people seeking reading material, in partnership with SD Books Thru Bars. Drop off books at the Community Combine shed in the nursery parking lot. The shed is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. City Farmers Nursery, 3110 Euclid Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
A Walk With Yáamay: New Village Arts is presenting a free, site-specific guided art walk blending Indigenous poetry, music, storytelling and natural exploration inspired by “Yáamay: An Anthology of Feminine Perspectives Across Indigenous California.” Space is limited; registration is free online. 10 a.m. – noon, Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Lane, Carlsbad, CA 92009
SD Families for Justice Clothing Swap: San Diego Families for Justice hosts a clothing swap at Joe Balderrama Park in Oceanside. 10 a.m., Joe Balderrama Park, 709 San Diego St., Oceanside, CA 92058
Cafe y Sazón: Braveheart Barbershop and Unico Coffee are hosting an afternoon of Latin dance and community, kicking off with a beginner-friendly salsa class before opening the dance floor to salsa, cumbia and all-vinyl DJ sets. Noon – 4 p.m., Braveheart Barbershop & Lifestyle Co., 972 Garnet Ave., San Diego, CA 92109
Fern Street Circus: Fern Street Community Arts is hosting a free community circus performance where professional artists collaborate with participants and their families to create cultural exchange, combining physical and theatrical skills. 2 p.m., Azalea Recreation Center, 2596 Violet St., San Diego, CA 92105
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
Girls Gone Mild Y2K Bedazzling Party: Rooftop Cinema Club is hosting a Y2K-themed evening where attendees can bedazzle their favorite book before a screening of “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.” Tickets are available online, starting at $25. 4 – 6 p.m., Rooftop Cinema Club, 453 Tenth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
Mi Viaje Creativo — Community Plant Walk + Print Workshop: Artist-in-residence Irie Zepeda is leading a free, guided, neighborhood plant walk with the Church of Herbalism, exploring local plants and their connections to the body, home and environment. Spanish translation available. RSVP at sandiegomade.org/impact. 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., San Diego Made Factory, 2031 Commercial St., San Diego, CA 92113