Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties

Catalyst Biweekly Policy Briefing Issue XXI: Hanging in the Balance

Hello again. A week scarred by gun violence — including the murder of Charlie Kirk and the shooting of multiple high school students in Colorado — starkly reminds us why we must work every day to build communities where people are safe and supported. Our families, our freedoms, and our future depend on it. Here’s … Continue reading

Catalyst Biweekly Policy Briefing: Issue XX: Leadership in Limbo

Hello again. Let's get to it. Here's a look at what has happened. Catch up on our previous installments here. THE FACTS EXECUTIVE POWER & FEDERAL FUNDING Last Tuesday, President Trump announced on social media that his audit of the Smithsonian would be only the beginning, and that other museums would follow. He also criticized … Continue reading

Language as Legacy: The Power of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi

Cal State San Marcos recently offered its very first ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Language & Performing Arts workshop. The program was developed in partnership with Umeke, a North San Diego County-based nonprofit working to nourish the Hawaiian diaspora and local communities through cultural preservation, education, and connection. Supported by a Stop the Hate grant and provided to … Continue reading

Catalyst Biweekly Policy Briefing Issue XIX: Redrawing the Rules

Any hopes that the summer recess would slow the flood of federal policy changes quickly faded with the events of the past two weeks. Here's a look at what happened this week. Catch up on our previous installments here. THE FACTS MAJOR SHIFT IN FEDERAL GRANTMAKING RULES On August 7, the president issued the executive … Continue reading

Catalyst Biweekly Policy Briefing Issue XVIII: Recess & Our Region

Hello again. As Congress heads into its August recess and the pace of federal policy news slows, we’re highlighting key updates and resources to help you stay informed and prepared for what’s ahead this fall. Locally, with a fully seated Board of Supervisors, we are monitoring changes in our region with new leadership in place. … Continue reading Catalyst Biweekly Policy Briefing Issue XVIII: Recess & Our Region

Tino’s Story: A father’s fight for survival

Tino, a gay Latino in his 50s, always sensed his neighbor's hatred. He had experienced discrimination before, but this proved to be different. One day, his neighbor's hatred turned violent. In his own home, in front of his two sons, his neighbor attacked him. The assault was brutal, punctuated by homophobic slurs and death threats. … Continue reading

When Art Becomes Medicine: San Diego Launches First Arts-Based Mental Health Pilot

On July 9, the courtyard in San Ysidro Health’s Maternal & Child Health Center filled with artists, health providers, local funders, and community leaders for something San Diego has never seen before: the launch of an arts-based social prescribing pilot. Led by Art Pharmacy and in partnership with San Ysidro Health, the pilot is the … Continue reading

A Field of Hope: the Border Region’s Collective Effort to Stop the Hate

In the most southern part of California, communities across the region are actively working together to amplify voices, heal wounds, and cultivate a field of hope in the face of hate. The beauty and impact of the Stop the Hate Border Region program lies not in a single bloom, but in the collective vibrancy of … Continue reading

Catalyst Biweekly Policy Briefing Issue XVII: Cuts in Context

Hello again. As we begin to understand the impact of the federal budget, news is emerging about cutbacks to public support in other areas. Access to knowledge and information is being curtailed with the loss of $1 billion in public media support; student loan programs are being cut, making education less accessible; and a judge … Continue reading

Somali Family Service: Promoting Wellness and Voice Among San Diego’s Immigrant and Refugee Communities

In the early 2000s, the Somali community in San Diego was facing a crisis: Somali youth were being heavily recruited into local gangs amid an uptick in regional gang violence. Somali families and community leaders — many of whom were recent arrivals to the U.S. fleeing war in their homeland — recognized that isolation and … Continue reading

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