San Diego, CA
New police chief cites emergency exception to get more surveillance cameras up in Hillcrest
San Diego’s new police chief is flexing his emergency powers to quickly get more surveillance cameras up in Hillcrest amid an increase in hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community and before the Pride Parade later this month.
The move prompted swift criticism from privacy advocates who’ve long worried the legal exception would be abused and drew mixed reactions from the LGBTQ+ community, with members expressing both support and concern.
Last year, the City Council approved the Police Department’s proposal to install 500 streetlight cameras equipped with license plate readers at specific locations across San Diego, a project that will cost about $12 million over the next five years. Although those pre-approved spots included streetlights in Hillcrest, the locations currently being considered were not among them.
Since then, the department has installed 440 so-called smart streetlight cameras that have been used to aid about 120 investigations, police officials said.
A few dozen cameras have not been installed because of a variety of infrastructural issues, such as light poles not having power or buildings blocking camera views. The struggle has led to a new proposal that would give the department greater flexibility in choosing where it puts its cameras, but it will take a few more weeks for City Council to approve that change.
San Diego police Chief Scott Wahl argued it’s a decision that can’t wait, especially if the technology is going to be in place before Pride week, which kicks off Saturday. The parade is set for July 20.
At a Monday morning press conference inside Rich’s San Diego, a gay nightclub in Hillcrest, Wahl, flanked by a handful of LGBTQ+ community members and business leaders, said he would be using an emergency clause in the city’s surveillance ordinance — the law that governs how technologies can be used in San Diego — to fast-track the installation of 14 cameras in Hillcrest without City Council approval.
According to a memo about the decision, the cameras will be installed on six thoroughfares: Goldfinch Street, Park Boulevard, Sixth Avenue, University Avenue, Washington Street and West Washington Street.
“It’s absolutely critical that if we’re going to provide the highest level of safety and protect our community, that we mobilize the resources necessary to put the unused cameras to good, productive use,” Wahl said.
The surveillance ordinance says that if city departments want to use a previously approved technology in a new location, the Council needs to sign off on the change — unless exigent circumstances are involved.
Exigent circumstances have been defined by California courts as “an emergency situation requiring swift action to prevent imminent danger to life or serious damage to property, or to forestall the imminent escape of a suspect or destruction of evidence.” It’s a legal exception that sometimes allows officers to make warrantless entries, searches and seizures, which are generally prohibited under the Fourth Amendment.
The city’s surveillance ordinance provides a similar definition, describing exigent circumstances as “an emergency involving danger of death or serious physical injury to any individual, or imminent danger of significant property damage, that requires the use of surveillance technology, as determined by City staff acting in good faith upon known facts.”
Wahl said the upcoming San Diego Pride Parade, a long-running LGBTQ event that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, as well as the almost 75 percent increase seen in hate crimes between 2022 and 2023 — some of which were reported in Hillcrest — qualifies as the kind of emergency that would allow the department to bypass the usual process.
“I don’t want to use this in a laissez-faire manner,” Wahl said. “I think this is a very unique situation and circumstance that I do not want to overuse.”
According to statistics released in March, reported hate crimes in San Diego jumped from 38 in 2022 to 66 in 2023. Although most incidents were racially motivated, about 30 percent, or 21 incidents, stemmed from bias against someone’s sexual orientation. That’s a five-fold increase when compared to the four incidents that were motivated by sexual orientation in 2022.
Wahl said Monday that no San Diego neighborhood has seen more reported hate crimes than Hillcrest over the last four years. During a recent incident in May, suspects in a passing vehicle fired gel pellets at people outside four Hillcrest businesses. Multiple people were struck, including Eddie Reynoso, the publisher of LGBTQ San Diego County News, who took a pellet to the eye and was seriously injured. Reynoso stood next to Wahl on Monday to express his support for the additional cameras.
“No one should have to look over their shoulder while working or enjoying a night out in town,” Reynoso said. “No one should have to rush home out of fear for their safety. … By supporting the completion of smart streetlights, we take a significant step toward reclaiming our streets and ensuring that they are as safe as they are vibrant.”
Some community advocates and legal experts disagreed with the chief’s interpretation of the emergency exception.
“To me, it sounds like those are reasonable concerns that the Police Department has to make a change to their existing surveillance system,” said Seth Hall, a member of TRUST SD, the consortium of community groups that helped craft the surveillance law. “What it doesn’t sound like to me is an emergency. … Their concerns should be processed through the normal oversight process. That’s why that process is there.”
The exigent circumstances clause included in the surveillance ordinance has long been a source of concern among advocates who helped put together the oversight law, Hall said. An early draft of the ordinance didn’t even include the emergency clause, partly out of concern that it would be used to tunnel under the ordinance’s requirements.
Those sentiments were echoed by Saira Hussain, senior staff attorney for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, who said appropriate uses of exigent circumstances have been laid out in case law and involve emergencies such as crimes in progress in which someone could be seriously hurt.
“Instances in which you would imagine, ‘OK, we need to act quickly because this is out of the ordinary,’” she said. “And here, police are basically saying the process that is in place, that the City Council has approved of, is taking too long, so we’re going to try to claim exigent circumstances. … It’s really just a misuse of exigent circumstances.”
Some LGBTQ+ organizers also disagreed. About a dozen people rallied in front of Rich’s to oppose the Monday morning decision. They were not permitted entry to the news conference.
“Using Pride as an exigent circumstance feels totally disingenuous,” said Frances Yasmeen Motiwalla, a member of Activist San Diego. “Pride happens every year, it’s not a surprise, it’s not a sudden thing that’s happening.”
Although the department isn’t waiting for approval before putting up the cameras, the City Council will have the opportunity to weigh in on the additional placements at the end of July. Wahl said if the City Council rejects the proposal, department officials will take down the newly placed cameras.
Jewish Family Service of San Diego held its annual Heart and Soul Gala recently at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad. The event raised $1.9 million to benefit the nonprofit’s community programs, which help people of all faiths and backgrounds.
More than 400 guests attended. The event celebrated the contributions of 2024 honorees Ed and Barbara Shapiro, founders and trustees of The Shapiro Foundation; and philanthropists Sharon and David Wax.
If your organization has held an event, you’re welcome to email a high-resolution photo along with information on the event to society@sduniontribune.com. Please clearly identify those in the photo, make them aware their image might appear in print and online, include the photographer’s name for credit and be sure to include the who, what, where, when and why information on the event.
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ARLINGTON, Texas — Padres players from time to time wear T-shirts with a cartoon Jurickson Profar on the front doing his base hit celebration.
The cartoon Profar is smiling, and his arms are raised with his elbows bent and down to form the top of a heart over his head. On the front of his jersey is the word, “RELEVANT.”
The shirts were made in response to the poetically ill-timed response in a postgame interview by Dodgers catcher Will Smith in April.
In the fifth inning of the middle game of a three-game series at Dodger Stadium, Profar took exception to an inside pitch from Gavin Stone and let Smith know he was not pleased. The benches cleared, though nothing more than a little shouting and a lot of standing around happened.
After the Dodgers’ victory that night, as Profar was acknowledging he had been wrong to think Stone was throwing at him because he had squared to bunt, in that the pitcher had a perfect game at the time, Smith was saying this to the Dodgers’ flagship radio station:
“I don’t know why we would have thrown at him. He’s kind of irrelevant.”
The next night, Profar’s bases-loaded double in the seventh inning drove in the deciding runs in a 6-3 Padres victory.
Profar has always downplayed the incident, and there was no apparent ill will when the Padres and Dodgers played in May in San Diego.
Now, the two players are on the same team in the All-Star game.
They had not talked as of early Monday.
“It doesn’t matter,” Profar said. “It’s going to be OK. He’s another baseball player. He’s not the enemy. I have seen enemies in front of me before. Really, really enemies in Curacao. Will Smith is a baseball player.”
Profar felt Smith did not mean what he said to be as disrespectful as it sounded. He also agreed that perhaps at the time, he could be viewed as irrelevant, in that he hit .236 for the Rockies in 2023.
Smith said Monday he didn’t really even mean to include Profar.
“That had nothing to do with it,” Smith said of Profar’s accomplishments as a player. “It was the situation only. My bad. It was nothing personal. … He’s fiery, plays hard. He’s a competitor. In competition, the best and worst comes out of us. He’s a competitor and a good player.”
Profar seemed most perturbed that some seem to think it was Smith who got him going on his way to what is so far the best of his 11 seasons in the major leagues.
“People say it was him that lit a fire,” Profar said. “It wasn’t him.”
Profar has talked many times over the past few months about his love for the game and for the Padres and his desire to keep playing and prove he could be the player he has always felt he could be.
Profar arrived at spring training having signed a $1 million contract and knowing he was replaceable.
“With my contract,” he said Monday of his thoughts at the time, “obviously they are going to get someone (else) to play the outfield.”
Profar pretty much had it nailed. Signing Tommy Pham or making a trade for an outfielder was very much in play at the time. But the Padres decided during Profar’s strong spring that they could hold off on a move and focus their resources on acquiring pitcher Dylan Cease.
The reality, however, is the Padres signed the 31-year-old because they thought he believed in him as a leader and thought he would be useful enough in the outfield and at the plate. In no way did anyone believe he would be hitting .305 with an .870 OPS, be tied for the team lead with 14 home runs and starting in left field for the NL in Tuesday’s All-Star game.
“No,” Profar said with a hearty laugh. “Because they didn’t pay to believe.”
Profar has earned earned $300,000 in playing time incentives and is seven plate appearances from adding another $200,000. That would leave another $1 million that could be earned if he were to reach 600 plate appearances.
“I worked hard,” he said. “The hard work is paying off.”
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Here are some of the best things to do this week in San Diego, from Monday, July 15 to Friday, July 19.
Check back Wednesday for our guide to things to do this weekend.
Monday
Summer Organ Festival: The Spreckels Organ Society’s summer series continues with free Monday night concerts at 7:30 p.m. through Sept. 2. Next up on Monday: Organist Clara Gerdes. 2125 Pan American E. Road, Balboa Park, San Diego. Full schedule at spreckelsorgan.org/summer-organ-festival
Shark Summer at Birch Aquarium: For the month of July, the Birch Aquarium invites guests to celebrate “Shark Summer” and participate in activities that teach about these creatures that reside in our local waters. Shark feedings, kelp forest dives and meetings with shark specialists are just a few activities guests can experience at the museum to immerse themselves in the world of sharks. Guests are also welcome to explore other exhibits throughout the museum to learn about other neighboring ocean wildlife. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday. 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla. General admission is $29.95, additional discounts available online and in-person. aquarium.ucsd.edu/events/shark-summer
J1 Karaoke Night in Pacific Beach: Singers can take the stage at Union Kitchen and Tap Pacific Beac for J1 Karaoke night. With over 100 people attending this Monday night, karaoke singers will face off in a competition to be crowned as the “Best Karaoke Singer of the Night.” As a prize, the winner will be rewarded with a $100 bar tab to use at the next event. 10 p.m. Monday. 832 Garnet Ave., San Diego. Early bird tickets are $7.18. eventbrite.com/e/j1-karaoke-night-union-pb-prizes-for-best-singers-tickets-940565836737?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Tuesday
Twilight in the Park: The free summer concert season at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion continues with three mid-week concerts at 6:30 p.m., through Aug. 29. Next week, Ana “La Gitana” Group belly dancing on Tuesday; Pomerado Community Band on Wednesday; 3 Car Garage on Thursday. Balboa Park, San Diego. Schedule at balboapark.org/twilight-concerts
“Henry 6”: The Old Globe presents the world premiere of Barry Edelstein’s two-play adaptation of William Shakespeare’s three “Henry VI” history plays, which tell the story of England’s War of the Roses. “Part One: Flowers and France” and “Part Two: Riot and Reckoning” are playing in rotating repertory through Sept. 15. All performances at 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays. Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $35-$116. (619) 234-5623, theoldglobe.org
Pacific Beach Tuesday’s Farmers Market: On Tuesdays, local farmers and small businesses gather in Pacific Beach for an outdoor market event to sell their own unique selections of groceries. Customers can find fresh produce, meats, cheeses, flowers, dips and spreads directly from the hands that made them. Alongside 14 certified farm vendors, San Diego-based vendors are encouraged to apply online to be selected to join the weekly grocery market. 2 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays. 901 Hornblend St., San Diego. Free entry. pacificbeachmarket.com
Trivia Tuesdays at Belmont Park: In collaboration with Sunset Trivia, Draft House in Belmont Park is hosting its weekly trivia night with an extended happy hour. Participating guests of the evening will test their trivia knowledge to compete for first, second and third place. At the end of the night, the trivia winners will receive restaurant gift card prizes to use at their next Draft House visit. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. 3105 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego. Free. sdtoday.6amcity.com/events#/details/trivia-tuesdays-at-draft-at-belmont-park/10972440/2024-07-16T18
Wednesday
‘In Blue Time’ to debut at the Timken Museum: “In Blue Time,” a large-scale wall drawing created over the past month at the Timken Museum of Art by artist-in-residence Tatiana Ortiz-Rubio, will open Wednesday in Balboa Park. The drawing was inspired by the Timken’s 1557 painting “Parable of the Sower” by Pieter Bruegel the Elder. Derrick Cartwright, the Timken’s director of curatorial affairs, will discuss the work with Ortiz-Rubio at a preview event from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday. Tickets to the discussion are $15. The “In Blue Time” piece will be on display from Wednesday through Sept. 29. 1500 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego. Free. timkenmuseum.org
Pride interfaith service: St. Paul’s Cathedral in Bankers Hill will be the location for a special Pride interfaith service. Dean Penny Bridges and LGBTQ+ faith leaders will lead the service. Afterward, the cathedral will be illuminated in rainbow colors. The event is free and open to the public. 7 p.m. July 17. 2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego. sdpride.org/lightup
Dog Haus Celebrates National Hot Dog Day: By becoming a Haus member, visitors can claim a free hot dog at Dog Haus Biergarten in honor of National Hot Dog Day. Customers will have a variety of six gourmet hot dogs to choose from, each made with Creekstone Farms natural premium black angus beef and a King’s Hawaiian bun. The promotion does not require an in-store purchase but is limited to one hot dog per person. 8:30 to 10 p.m. Wednesday. 227 E Broadway, Vista. Free. vista.doghaus.com
“Tick, tick … BOOM!”: Cygnet Theatre presents Jonathan Larson’s semi-autobiographical musical about a young theater composer’s anxiety over not being a big success by age 30. 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Aug. 4. 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town San Diego. $30 and up. (619) 337-1525, cygnettheatre.com
Line dancing on Lapper Lawn: Thursday, find a free line dancing lesson at Lapper Sports Bar and Kitchen in Mission Valley. Learn how to move to classic country songs out on the lawn with the help of a DJ instructor. Food and drink specials will also be available for purchase off the dance floor which will all include free parking with validation. 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. 500 Hotel Circle North, San Diego. Free. towncountry.com/dine/lapper
Light up the Cathedral for Pride: St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral will be the place to watch a spectacle of rainbow lights decorating the church. Dean Penny Bridges, LGBTQ+ faith leaders and allied faith leaders will join together to celebrate faith and pride with an interfaith pride service. The hour-long service will include music from the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus and San Diego Women’s Chorus, speeches from LGBTQ+ Faith leaders, and a presetation of the Light of Pride Award. Guests can watch the rainbow light display outside of the church and enter the Fellowship Hall where dessert will be served. 7 p.m. Wednesday. 2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego. Free. sdpride.org/lightup/
Thursday
“The Color Purple”: New Village Arts presents the musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about Celie, an indomitable Southern Black woman in early 1900s Georgia. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through July 22. 2787 State St., Carlsbad. $33 and up. (760) 433-3245, newvillagearts.org
21+ Night at WNDR Museum: Adult guests are invited to venture through different interactive art displays at the WNDR Museum for a 21+ night event. For extended hours, visitors can experience each installation to this month’s local DJ performance with DJ Mike Merrell. Bigfoot Corndogs will also be providing food and drinks available for purchase in the WNDR Lounge. All visitors must have a valid ID for entry and museum doors close at 9 p.m. 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday. 422 Market St., San Diego. General admission is $25. wndrmuseum.com/event/21-night-at-wndr-san-diego-july/
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”: Lamb’s Players Theatre presents William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin’s audience-interactive comedy musical about five awkward adolescent contestants at a regional spelling bee. 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Aug. 18. Lamb’s Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado. $38-$92. (619) 437-6000, lambsplayers.org
Friday
Spirit of Stonewall Rally: The Spirit of Stonewall Rally is an event that acknowledges those who contribute to the LGBTQ+ community through leadership, fundraising efforts and activism. The event will also have guest speakers and the raising of the Pride flag. The first Spirit of Stonewall Rally in San Diego was held in 1975. 6 to 7 p.m. July 19. 1500 University Ave., San Diego. sdpride.org/rally-2024
Southwestern Summer Shakespeare Festival returns:Southwestern College Theatre Arts Department presents its second summer Shakespeare festival with two alternating productions running July 19 through Aug. 4. This year’s plays are “Romeo y Julieta,” a bilingual version of “Romeo and Juliet,” and “Much Ado About Nothing” set at Southwestern College in the 1990s. “Romeo” will play at 7 p.m. July 19, July 27 and Aug. 2; and at 2 p.m. July 20, July 28 and Aug. 3. “Much Ado” plays at 7 p.m. July 26, Aug. 3 and 4; and at 2 p.m. July 21 and 27 and Aug. 4. 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista. $10. https://www.swctheatre.com/
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