Column: Until next time San Diego, thank you
Shortly after I arrived at the Union-Tribune nearly four years ago, I had one of my more unique experiences as a reporter when covering an event hosted by former Rep....
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Column: You can’t equivocate about hate, so SDCC explanation for canceling speaker is greatly disappointing
The San Diego Community College District's investiture controversy has come to a close, but its conclusion offered a stark reminder about how too many of us continue to drop the...
Column: No, journalists aren’t ‘elites’; they aim to serve their communities and they need your help
In the fall of 2019, I had the opportunity to go to the Crossroads of the West gun show when it returned to the Del Mar Fairgrounds after a nine-month...
Column: Despite legislation and work of community organizations; awareness of anti-Asian violence still lags
Amid all the violence of the past week, there was a case in Texas that should raise alarms for all of us, especially when considered in light of some recent...
Column: We often fail to require more from politicians and social media companies in combating hate. Why?
As a columnist, I have written about hate crimes more frequently than just about any other subject, and yet I still find myself struck by how often we collectively fail...
Column: San Diego Community College District’s explanation for standing by Alice Walker misses the mark
The San Diego Community College District last week stood by its decision to have author Alice Walker as the keynote speaker at the district's investiture celebration May 31, an event...
Column: “Beating a dead horse,” and why we cannot wait for a new sheriff to spur action in county jails
Earlier this week I received an email from a reader about in-custody deaths that made me reflect.I wrote a column Tuesday that aimed to highlight how actors inside and outside...
Column: Phounsy verdict shows problems of ability and in-custody deaths go beyond Sheriff’s Dept.
A San Diego federal jury in March delivered a record-setting $85 million verdict against San Diego County after finding the Sheriff's Department responsible for the death of Lucky Phounsy, who...
Column: Bias, retaliation and the importance of ignorance v. malevolence in the San Dieguito Union chaos
There's a Post-it note I keep on my desk with a reminder for every time I write a column or respond to a reader email: "Do not attribute malevolence to...
Column: Rancho Bernardo nail salon labor case underscores the dangers facing some immigrant workers
Last week, San Diego saw the conclusion of a case that underscores the danger some immigrant workers face.Cindy Mydung Luu and Jason Luu, sister-and-brother owners of two Rancho Bernardo nail...
Column: Sadly, East County’s rep for intolerance is well-earned and goes beyond isolated incidents
When I arrived in San Diego four years ago and was looking for a place to live, I received a piece of advice from a barber. I was getting my...
Column: With jail deaths mounting in San Diego County, it’s time for the federal government to intervene
San Diegans saw something happen this week that's occurred too frequently in our community over the past decade, and one reader shared an interesting thought on how to move forward...
Column: Patrick Henry High School’s honors courses controversy fails to address issue of access
San Diego's largest high school caused a stir with its latest effort to address education equity, and its approach certainly prompts more than a few questions. On Sunday the U-T's...
Column: Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation brings some much needed experiential diversity to Supreme Court
We now have our newest Supreme Court Justice, and her appointment represents a landmark occasion in more ways than one.The Senate on Thursday confirmed Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the...
Column: Even as Title 42 departs, it underscores the need to always care about inconsistency of asylum system
Two years ago, the U-T published a multipart series thoroughly examining the U.S. asylum system. The project, helmed by reporters Kate Morrissey and Lauryn Schroeder, touched on the history of...
Column: Journalists’ obsession with Oscars fiasco is a slap in the face to readers
When we welcome our high school interns to the newsroom during the summer, one of the first lessons we go over is about news judgment.Essentially, we discuss the idea of...
Column: As effects of climate change hit locally, leaders can use economic opportunity to rally action
In the past week San Diego County residents have received poignant reminders about the cost and opportunity we face as we struggle to combat climate change.On Saturday, the U-T's Joshua...
Column: Controversy around SDSU professor’s use of slurs carries lessons about race, teaching and language
Earlier this month the U-T's Gary Robbins reported on a controversy involving a San Diego State University professor, an incident that should carry some important lessons for everyone about race,...
Column: Diversifying the ranks of San Diego’s planning groups is a cause well worth embracing
I've never thought about buying property in California, let alone a home. It's not that I've never wanted to, it just never seemed realistic. Unfortunately, I think that outlook is...
Column: Human Relations Commission fiasco reflects an absolutism, bigotry that endanger trans people
One of my biggest frustrations is when people embrace absolutism, especially when it comes to faith.Growing up I attended a variety of K-12 Christian schools, running the gamut from a...
Column: Hopelessness over homelessness feels worse after government missteps, an ego trip
After Thursday's annual count of our homeless community provided a glimpse into the suffering and challenges facing some of our region's most vulnerable residents, San Diego City Councilmember Steve Whitburn...
Column: Hate crimes, political polarization, road rage, air rage – we’re getting angrier
Last week I wrote about the rise in hate crime we've witnessed across many of America's largest cities over the past several years.But one thing I didn't get into last...
Column: Hate crimes hit records in many cities, emphasizing need for community resilience
If you felt like you were hearing more about local incidents of hate this past year, it turns out there's a reason for that.They were occurring more frequently.The number of...
Column: Charles Drew and the importance of teaching Black history more than one month a year
I have a question for you: Do you know who Dr. Charles Drew was?If you do, that's great. There is, after all, a university named after him just north of...
Column: Data, cooperation are starting point to help women in business flourish in San Diego
It's not news that women face many disadvantages in the workplace, especially women business-owners.But a recent study offers a glimpse into how COVID exacerbates those challenges, and it's providing insights...
Column: State auditor confirms danger in San Diego jails; it’s past time department owns up to it
On Thursday, the California State Auditor released a long-awaited report on the San Diego County Sheriff's Department's handling of deaths in county jails, and to say it was brutal might...
Column: The U.S. Supreme Court must be more diverse; but Biden needs to to remind people why that matters
A lot of people and organizations like to talk a big game about prioritizing diversity, and that has been especially true since the murder of George Floyd. But making good...
Column: Holocaust Remembrance Day reminds us of the importance of education, need to stand up to bigotry
How many Holocaust survivors do you think call San Diego County home today? The answer may catch you by surprise. It did for me because I would not have guessed...
Column: Speculation about Gore’s retirement announcement highlights mistrust of Sheriff’s Dept.
On Wednesday, San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore announced he will retire early, stepping down as head of the region's largest law enforcement agency on Feb. 3. The move comes...
Column: Teachers responded to a calling; the least we can do is treat them with respect
Given that I'm an opinion writer who often shares his perspective on highly sensitive topics such as race, COVID and policing, it's not surprising that I receive no shortage of...
Column: SD’s vaccination mandate doesn’t appear to negatively impact staffing; will that shift attitudes?
Back in late August, when the city of San Diego became the first major government agency in the region to mandate vaccinations for employees, there were plenty of questions and...
Column: Fake COVID test sites are latest example of predators capitalizing on a crisis
Throughout this pandemic, I've often lamented how we've failed to come together as a community in the face of a significant existential threat.Far too often, it feels like a "me"...
Column: As hate targets San Diego schools, community approach is needed for tall task
It may be a new year but unfortunately San Diego schools are facing a familiar problem. Last weekend someone spray-painted anti-Black and homophobic slurs at San Dieguito Academy High in...
Column: 2022 will be a lively year for the sheriff’s department, maybe not for COVID
With the turn of the calendar page and an election on the horizon, there is no shortage of things to keep an eye on in 2022. But for me, two...
Column: San Diego-based sailor honored at Rose Parade alongside other organ donors
Throughout his life Robert Barksdale was a ball of light, a generous spirit, with an infectious energy that could light up a room when he walked in. The 19-year-old sailor...
Column: Alliant student, educator aims to tackle overrepresentation of Latinx students in special education
The special education system is complicated, but especially so for Latinx families.One San Diego student though, is hoping to help address that. In February, Mariana Herrera, a bilingual resource specialist...
Column: As San Diego sheriff’s race heats up, residents need to do their homework given the challenges ahead
The state's primary election is still six months out, but the race for San Diego County Sheriff is well under way. It behooves all of us to pay close attention,...
Column: As mask mandates return, COVID fatigue lurks, so let’s do our part
We all may be experiencing an unfortunate form of déjà vu, one that may prove a test of our resolve and resistance to COVID fatigue.Amid rising case rates, a new...
Column: We have to speak up, step up when antisemitism shows up in our schools
In a little over a month the San Diego community has seen a series of antisemitic incidents in local schools, offering a pointed reminder that we all need to step...
Column: GA Police abused a pregnant civil rights activist and her baby died. Now her family seeks an apology
Jonathan King re vividly that day in1962 when he was 5, sitting on the edge of his seat in the family car, outside a hospital anxiously awaiting his baby sibling's...
Column: Muralist Victor Ochoa highlights Mexican culture, history to inspire next generation
Over four decades of painting murals, Victor Ochoa has earned a reputation as a driven activist, gifted muralist and a proud Chicano. Well known for his work in Chicano Park...
Phenomenal San Diego women in education
DORIS ALVAREZDoris Alvarez distinguished herself early in her career, graduating from San Diego State University and moving directly to the classroom to along her ion for education to young...
Column: The spirit of youth athletics and what was lost in the debate about the tortilla incident
I played organized basketball from the time I was 5 through my high school years, and while I have a lot of great memories from those experiences, one less flattering...
Column: After a difficult weekend, try and find some grace for each other this holiday season
With the holiday approaching, I thought I would spend this past weekend staving off excitement.I'm typically a person who really enjoys the Thanksgiving holiday, even with the misgivings I have...
Column: Actor, writer Macedonio Arteaga Jr. uses comedy to uplift young people and promote cultural awareness
If you get the chance to sit down with Macedonio Arteaga Jr., I can guarantee you're going to laugh and learn — a lot. The City Heights resident is an...
Column: Actor, storyteller Alyce Smith Cooper builds intergenerational bridges
When Alyce Smith Cooper was in fifth grade in southeast Riverside, a Hollywood agent looking for potential child actors asked young people to send in a picture. Her grandmother had...
Column: Redistricting offers no shortage of debate with chances to learn and influence
Sometimes disagreement doesn't mean someone is hostile to your concerns; they may just have a different perspective or lived experience. That's not an earthshattering notion by any means, but it's...
Column: The racism and threats at the Board of Supervisors meeting were not outliers; we all need to step up
When I covered local government in Connecticut, there was a town meeting that got so out of hand that local officials had to prematurely end it under the guise of...
Column: Anti-vaxxers allege ‘workplace discrimination’ but ignore their duty to avoid undue harm
Whenever I write about COVID-19 and vaccinations, I inevitably get a comment from at least one reader arguing that my column lacks an anti-vaxxer perspective.They aren't entirely off in that...
Column: Calif. prison guards are vaccinated at lower rate than inmates; state officials don’t seem worried
A fight to vaccinate California's prison guards is raging, and the prolonged struggle invites scrutiny of the state's prison guard union and of Gov. Gavin Newsom.Last week a Kern County...
Etudios etnicos llegan a las preparatorias de CA; es un flaco favor para los estudiantes oponerse a ellos
Uno de los aspectos que más me gustan de trabajar en The San Diego Union-Tribune es que, además de escribir, puedo trabajar con los jóvenes.A veces puedo visitar las clases...
Column: Ethnic Studies courses are coming to CA high schools; it’s a disservice to students to oppose them
One of my favorite aspects of working at The San Diego Union-Tribune is that I get to work with young people, in addition to writing. Sometimes I get to visit...
Column: Hub of San Diego Black culture gets $35 M boost so legacy can live on
In 1985 Coretta Scott King came to The San Diego College of Continuing Education's Educational Cultural Complex and addressed a standing-room-only crowd at the campus' historic theater, she hoped to...
Column: School officials raised alarms about threats, disruptions at meetings; We need to listen
A few weeks ago I wrote a column about political violence and how there is a growing fear among Americans that significant violence will occur down the road in response...
Column: Public servants should realize getting vaxxed is public service
I’ve been thinking a lot of late about the nature of public service and public servants.Most people I know who work in public service, whether government employees or not, typically...
Column: Biden’s rhetoric is meaningless if he continues cruel immigration, asylum policies
Last year while accepting the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, Joe Biden vowed to roll back core Trump istration immigration policies that many immigration and asylum advocates say are cruel and...
Column: Republicans have to decide if the hustle is more important than shaping public policy
In this year's NBA playoffs, fans saw the Philadelphia 76ers' championship aspirations evaporate in an embarrassing second-round loss in part because their star point guard, Ben Simmons, repeatedly refused to...
Column: We can do more to address military training accidents; let’s follow the lead of military families
If there is one thing most Americans agree on it's the idea of ing our troops, or, at least, we like to think of ourselves as a nation that s...
Column: Political violence is a growing fear; let’s watch the rhetoric during elections
When I was the Union-Tribune's politics reporter, one of the most alarming things I covered was a discussion two candidates had with a local group that included extremists.The fact that...
Column: Regardless of election outcome, California needs to fix its recall process
There are no shortage of things one can write about California's recall election.Only two governors have ever been successfully recalled in U.S. history, and the potential for Democratic Gov. Gavin...
Column: Props to San Diego County for taking on misinformation; now let’s tackle it broadly
When I worked for a small newspaper in Connecticut the newsroom staff put on a library workshop series intended to combat misinformation and give the public a better understanding of...
Column: Local groups offer advice for getting involved in interfaith efforts
Earlier this week I wrote about how the pandemic has been a true test of community, shining a light on ways some of us come together in the face of...
Column: The pandemic has been a true test of community, revealing some harsh truths
One of my favorite series of books is The Expanse series by James S.A. Corey. It's a science fiction series of eight novels, but recently I was reminded of a...
Column: Some remarkable young San Diegans taught me a few things
This Sunday there will be a special section in The San Diego Union-Tribune devoted to our U-T Community Journalism Scholars, a group of high schoolers who spent five weeks practicing...
Column: Controversy over sheriff’s fentanyl video underscores department’s issues with transparency, trust
The San Diego County Sheriff's Department has had a bad week, and it should provide a poignant reminder to every government agency of how many issues emerge when you don't...
Column: Advocacy, education and lifting others up are top of mind for muralist Salvador Barajas
Ask Salvador Barajas which of his murals he regards as his best and you may be surprised by his answer.There certainly is no shortage of options for the San Diego...
Column: Rallies, protests and where we go from here heading toward an election
When I started this column, one of my goals was for it to serve as a space for open conversation — a space where folks would be exposed to different...
Column: Here we go again with the name debate and claims of ‘erasing history’
In 1931 in Salisbury, Maryland, Matthew Williams was abducted from his hospital bed after being shot in the head a day earlier. His abductors were an angry White mob who,...
Column: American comion has me viewing Fourth of July through a new lens this year
I have never really been one for spectacle. Well, artificial spectacle at least.Give me one of nature’s marvels and I’m enamored. But a flashy display of fireworks and parade just...
Column: Californians may get chance to end forced labor, help our incarcerated residents
When Amika Mota arrived at the California Institution for Women in 2008, she refused to work in the first prison work program she was assigned to. She wasn't being defiant...
Column: Advocates highlighted challenges facing older residents; can we step up to fight ageism?
Last week the U-T ran a couple of pieces spotlighting how San Diego — and the U.S. broadly — treats its older residents. Specifically, there was an excellent commentary by...
Column: The debate about critical race theory and the trouble with living in denial
I'm a big believer in self reflection on a personal level, a professional level and a societal level.I firmly believe that if we as individuals and collectively are able to...
Column: The importance of solidarity, turning words into action
One thing I found striking when I covered county government as a reporter was the diversity of individuals and groups who would step up to advocate on various issues. Whether...
Column: When fandom goes too far, we forget athletes are people first
Growing up, I hated Kobe Bryant as a basketball player and boy did I hate the Lakers. See, my mom and I were diehard Kevin Garnett fans, and thus we...
Column: A question we should ask ourselves before we back any effort to “cancel” someone
Over the past week I've been thinking a lot about a question a reader emailed me a few months ago.To paraphrase, he asked: How would you feel if a bunch...
Column: UCSD event shines light on foreign governments targeting speech on campuses
The debate about free speech on college campuses has become a favorite of conservative political commentators, so much so that some in America could be fooled into believing there is...
Column: Does San Diego truly care about its most vulnerable residents? If yes, we need to prove it
Over the past week I have found myself asking variations of the same question over and over again.Does San Diego and its residents truly care about the most vulnerable in...
Column: Anti-Asian hate crimes are being understated; here are some of the reasons why
The Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism said last week that reports about anti-Asian hate crimes had skyrocketed by 169% in 15 of America's largest cities and counties...
Column: CA lost a House seat despite massive census outreach; but there are more issues
California spent $187 million on census outreach, more than any other state in the nation.Community groups across the state and in San Diego launched unprecedented outreach campaigns. of San...
Column: From military extremism to the debate about ethnic studies, I’ve learned a lot from you readers
A little over three months ago we launched this column and I told you all that I was hoping to have a dialogue, sometimes uncomfortable, about the issues in our...
Column: San Diego coaches, by talking about race, show their role goes beyond a game
Coaching isn't just about the x's and o's, or wins and losses. That isn't a particularly groundbreaking statement, but it's one we all need to be reminded of given how...
A pesar del veredicto no estoy seguro de que haya cambiado mucho, pero seguire manteniendo la esperanza
Hace aproximadamente un año escribí sobre Gianna Floyd, de 7 años, y sobre cómo tenía razón al decir que su padre había cambiado el mundo.Column: Despite verdict I’m not sure...
Column: Despite verdict I’m not sure much has changed, but I’ll keep holding onto hope
About a year ago I wrote about 7-year-old Gianna Floyd and how she was right about her daddy changing the world. I was encouraged by the global outcry we saw...
Column: Law enforcement leaders responded to the U-T’s racial disparities project. They missed the point
Leaders in local law enforcement Friday responded to the U-T's project on racial disparities in policing by reaffirming why so many in the community distrust law enforcement; they also missed...
Column: It’s great police reform is getting attention, but don’t let police unions dictate what it looks like
In 2014 the San Diego Police Department was criticized because its officers had failed to consistently collect data related to race during traffic stops. At the time San Diego Police...
Ellos son ninos. Ayudarles no quita nada de lo tuyo, asi que no encuadres esto como ‘nosotros contra ellos’
Si sigues a los medios conservadores o a ciertos políticos republicanos locales, puedes tener la impresión de que una horrible parodia ocurrió en San Diego esta semana.No, la furia no...
Column: They’re kids. Helping them doesn’t take anything away from yours, so don’t frame this as ‘us v. them’
If you follow conservative media or certain local Republican politicians, you may get the impression a horrible travesty occurred in San Diego this week. No, their fury isn't aimed at...
Reparations in Evanston, Ill., took the form of a housing program. Could California follow suit?
The conversation about reparations just got a lot more interesting — and in some ways more complicated. Last week Evanston, a Chicago suburb, approved the first phase of its reparations...
Column: A hate crime brought calls for change at USD, and lessons about ing LGBTQ+ students
During Ezra Wheeler's first semester at the University of San Diego, they were a target of a hate crime. In the middle of the night on October 24, 2019, someone...
Column: San Diego’s push for cannabis equity is encouraging; but policy makers have a lot of work ahead
Cannabis equity efforts have gained momentum in San Diego over the past few months.Recently we've seen both the County of San Diego and the city of San Diego take significant...
Column: Motives for the Georgia attack will be debated, but Asians are right to be fearful. Respect that.
I had planned to write about an entirely different topic for this column, but something happened this week that requires each and every one of us to pay attention and...
Column: Junipero Serra High School, Andrew Jackson post station, and the importance of who we choose to honor
I was out for a walk a few weeks ago near Clay Park in Rolando and a flyer stapled to a telephone pole caught my eye."Rename our Post Office," the...
Column: Is the military capable of policing White supremacy and other forms of extremism in its ranks?
In the wake of the failed insurrection at the Capitol on Jan. 6 and the revelation that at least 32 veterans allegedly participated in the siege, a lot of attention...
Column: Anti-Asian racism and violence drew attention early in the pandemic. Why’d we stop talking about it?
Over the past month you've probably seen a story or two focusing on the increase of anti-Asian racism and violence across the U.S.Right here in California we've seen an 84-year-old...
Column: Quit stereotyping Black fathers and using them as a scapegoat for society’s failures
You want to know what it was like the first time my dad met my first grade teacher?It was a couple weeks after the start of classes at my Catholic...
Column: Retire the phrase ‘cancel culture’ and focus on what really matters, ability
If you listen to certain corners of political discourse, you'd be inclined to think that one of the most serious problems currently facing the U.S. is "cancel culture."The act of...
Column: San Diego County’s new Director of the Office of Equity and Racial Justice is ready for action
Last year, in the midst of local and national uproar over police brutality and some news-grabbing racist incidents in Santee, San Diego County leaders promised that the county would do...
Column: We cannot become numb to San Diego jail deaths; we have to demand better
“Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.”That's a quote from Bryan Stevenson, the founder of the Equal Justice Initiative and a fierce advocate for criminal...
Column: Ethnic Studies courses are needed; don’t let bad actors corrupt the process
I often say two things can be true at the same time.I say it about sports: "The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the better team and deserved to win Sunday, but...
Column: Reparations, apologies and the absurdity of ‘it happened a long time ago’
Most of us, in one way or another, like to believe we're self-made. Even if we acknowledge that we got a few lucky breaks, we often still tell ourselves that...