Show Your Pride! Join the First UU Contingent in the San Diego Pride Parade
You don't want to miss being in our First UU contingent in the "Pride Shines On" Pride Parade on Saturday, July 18th! It is a wonderful opportunity to show our Pride together with family, friends, and allies. Bring your rainbow smiles, your energy, and your laughter, and join in on the fun!

​We just received the final staging details from San Diego Pride, and we are ready to march. Here is everything you need to know to find us and stay comfortable:

Parade & Staging Logistics

• When: Saturday, July 18th, from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
• Our Contingent Number: #158.
• Staging Location: Centre Street between Harvey Milk Street and Lincoln Avenue.
• Arrival Time: Please aim to arrive at our staging area by 11:15 AM. This will ensure everyone is gathered, checked in, and ready before our official move time.

Check out the map to see where we'll meet.

Tips for a Great Parade Day
Because the parade officially begins at 10:00 AM, the surrounding area will already be very crowded and vibrant by the time our contingent gathers. To ensure you have a fun, safe, and stress-free day, keep these tips in mind:

• Plan Your Transportation: Parking in Hillcrest during Pride is notoriously difficult. We highly recommend taking public transit (buses or trolleys) or getting dropped off near the site.
• Beat the Heat: July days in San Diego get warm quickly! Please remember to bring plenty of sunscreen, snacks, and hydrating beverages to keep your energy up while we wait and march.

Want more info? You can find additional routing, parking, and event details directly from San Diego Pride by visiting the official San Diego Pride Parade Page.

We can't wait to look out at a sea of First UU faces celebrating love, equity, and community together. See you on Centre Street!

Mark your calendars! The next gathering of our book club is just around the corner, and we are diving into a deeply moving story of friendship, family, and history.

We invite you to join us for a thoughtful discussion of Laila Ibrahim’s captivating novel, Golden Poppies.

Details
Date: Thursday, July 30th
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Room 321 at First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego (4190 Front Street, San Diego, CA. 92103)
Who: All readers and perspectives are welcome!

About the Book
A powerful sequel to Yellow Crocus and Mustard Seed, Golden Poppies continues the sweeping multigenerational saga of Mattie and Lisbeth. Set in the late 19th century against the backdrop of a rapidly changing America, the novel follows their daughters, Jordan and Sadie.

As the next generation navigates the complex social landscapes of the Gilded Age, the Jim Crow South, and the early women's suffrage movement, they must confront the legacy of their families' pasts. Ibrahim masterfully explores themes of race, privilege, resilience, and the enduring bonds of female friendship.

Join the Conversation
Our book club is a warm, engaging space where we look forward to unpacking the rich historical layers and emotional depth of this novel together. Whether you have read all of Ibrahim's books or are jumping into the saga for the first time, your voice will make our conversation richer.

Want to find out more?
If you need help sourcing a copy, want a sneak peek at our discussion questions, or have any logistics questions, please reach out directly to Louise for more details ([email protected]).

Happy reading, and we look forward to seeing you in Room 321 on July 30th at 6:30 PM!

Are you looking for a thought-provoking read and a community passionate about exploring diverse perspectives? Look no further.

The Racialized Identities Awareness (RIA) Book Group invites you to our next meeting to discuss Jessica Hagedorn’s critically acclaimed masterpiece Dogeaters.

The Details

• When: Friday, August 7th
• Where: First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego, Room 321 (4190 Front Street, San Diego, CA. 92103)
• Who: Open to all who are ready for an insightful, open-minded conversation!

About the Book
Set in the Philippines during the Marcos regime, Dogeaters is a high-octane, multi-layered portrait of Manila. Hagedorn brilliantly weaves together a diverse cast of characters—from beauty queens and movie stars to activists and street kids—to explore the complex intersections of colonialism, pop culture, race, class, and identity.

It’s sharp, witty, political, and deeply human. It is exactly the kind of text that sparks the powerful, nuanced discussions we love to have here at RIA.

Why Join the RIA Book Group?
The RIA Book Group is a welcoming space dedicated to exploring how racialized identities shape our world, our literature, and our lived experiences. Whether you're a long-time member or this is your very first meeting, your voice and insights are welcome.

Ready to join the conversation?
For more details please reach out directly to Louise ([email protected]).

Grab your copy, start reading, and we’ll see you in Room 321 on August 7th!

The energy is building, the colors are getting brighter, and it’s almost time for one of our favorite days of the year! We are thrilled to invite you to our annual Pride Service, "Pride Shines On," on Sunday, July 12th.
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This service is a beautiful celebration of love, diversity, and the radiant light within every single member of our community. Whether you’ve been here for years or are walking through our doors for the very first time, know this: you are welcome exactly as you are.

The Celebration Continues: Poster Making on the Upper Patio
The inspiration doesn't stop when the service ends! This year, we’re taking our message of love to the streets for the upcoming Pride Parade—and we need your hands, your heart, and your creativity to make our float truly shine.

During Social Hour, head straight up to the Upper Patio for a special parade workshop. We’ll have all the supplies ready—poster boards, markers, etc.

• What: Pride Float Poster Making
• Where: The Upper Patio
• When: Sunday, July 12th (Immediately following the service)
• Who: Everyone! All ages and artistic skill levels are welcome.

Bring your favorite quotes, your brightest ideas, and your joyful spirit. Let’s make sure our float sends a powerful message of inclusion and pride to the entire city.

Can't make it to the workshop? You can still support us by cheering on our float at the parade or spreading the word to friends and family.
We can’t wait to celebrate, create, and shine bright with you on July 12th!
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Spread the love! Share this post with a friend you'd love to bring along.

Our understanding of race is profoundly shaped by history, law, and social institutions. If you are looking for a thoughtful, supportive space to explore these complexities and deepen your awareness, you are warmly invited to the next gathering of the Racialized Identities Awareness (RIA) Book Group.

This month, we are diving into a powerful, sweeping exploration of how the social construct of "whiteness" was created and transformed over centuries.

• ​When: Friday evening, July 3rd
• Where: Hosted at a private home (RSVP for address)
• What: Discussing The History of White People by Nell Irvin Painter

About the Book
In The History of White People, acclaimed historian Nell Irvin Painter guides readers through a fascinating, multi-century journey. From ancient Greece and Rome to early America and the modern era, Painter traces how the definition of "white" has constantly shifted, expanded, and contracted depending on political, economic, and scientific trends.

It is an eye-opening look at how race was deliberately invented and institutionalized, offering crucial context for the racial dynamics we see in our society today.

Why Join the RIA Book Group?
The RIA Book Group offers a welcoming and brave space for congregants to engage with vital literature on race, identity, and systemic justice. Whether you’ve finished the entire book, read a few chapters, or simply want to listen and learn from the conversation, your voice and presence are valued.

RSVP & Event Details
Because this meeting is being hosted at a member's private home, space is limited and we want to ensure we have enough seating for everyone.

To get the directions, confirm the start time, or ask any questions about the group, please reach out directly to Louise ([email protected]).

How do you reclaim a democracy when the rules have been steadily rewritten to favor those in power?

For 16 years, Viktor Orbán’s regime in Hungary was held up by the global far right as a blueprint for institutional control. The president of the Heritage Foundation—the architect behind Project 2025—explicitly described Orbán’s Hungary not just as a model, but the model for Donald Trump’s vision of America.

Yet, in a dramatic and historic turn of events, the Hungarian electorate proved that even the most deeply entrenched autocratic regimes are not invincible. Following a stunning electoral upset by Péter Magyar and the Tisza party, May 2026 marked a fresh political era as a new parliament was sworn into office, ending Orbán’s long-standing grip on power.

You are invited to an eye-opening presentation and community discussion to explore how this seismic shift happened, what strategies led to change, and why this moment matters for the future of democracy worldwide.

• When: Sunday, June 28, 2026, 11:30 am
• Where: UUFSD Founders Hall at San Dieguito Fellowship (1036 Solana Drive, Del Mar/Solana Beach, CA 92014)​
• Sponsor: The Social Justice Action Committee
• Presenter: Gitta Pazar, UUFSD Member

Meet the Presenter: Gitta Pazar
"Growing up in Hungary gave me a front-row seat to one of the most transformative periods in the country’s modern history. After receiving my master’s degree in 1988, I moved to Budapest and spent two years actively participating in protests that helped reshape Hungary as we opened up the Iron Curtain. I have lived in the United States since 1992 but have remained deeply interested in Hungarian politics. I followed the election closely and was in Budapest on May 9 to celebrate the swearing-in ceremonies of the new Parliament and Prime Minister."

What We’ll Explore:

• The Autocratic Blueprint: How democratic institutions, courts, and media landscapes were gradually reshaped over nearly two decades.
• The Mobilization Strategy: How everyday voters and coalition builders organized to successfully reverse the tide.
• The Global Parallel: Why American political strategists studied Hungary so closely, and the clear warnings—and hopes—it offers for the United States.
• Universal Lessons: Actionable insights on what it takes to protect and restore democratic checks and balances everywhere.

Join the Conversation
Democracy isn't a spectator sport, and the global cross-currents shaping our politics affect us all. Come hear a unique, first-hand perspective on history in the making and join a vital discussion on modern civil resistance.
Inquiries: Please send any questions to Donna at [email protected].

To learn more about the ground-level atmosphere during this historic transition, you can watch Péter Magyar sworn in as Hungary's prime minister, ending Viktor Orbán's 16-year rule, which covers the massive public celebrations and the shifting political landscape in Budapest.

With the critical 2026 elections approaching, many of us are asking ourselves: How can I put my faith into action and make a tangible impact on our democracy?

The answer starts right here in our own community. You are warmly invited to join us for our local UU the Vote Launch!

• When: Sunday, June 21st at 11:30 AM
• Where: The Common Room, First UU Campus

What is UU the Vote?
UU the Vote is a non-partisan faith-based movement that grounds our political activism in our Unitarian Universalist values. It’s all about fighting for a fair democracy, protecting voting rights, and organizing for climate justice, reproductive freedom, and a future where every voice matters.
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What We’ll Cover at the Launch:

• The National Strategy: We’ll look at the tools and frameworks provided by the national UU the Vote team.
• Analyzing Recommendations: We will break down which tactics (like phone banking, letter writing, or door-to-door canvassing) fit our specific community best.
• Setting Our Goals: Together, we’ll define exactly what our congregation wants to achieve during this election cycle.

Whether you are a seasoned activist or brand new to organizing, there is a place for you in this work. Every letter written, phone call made, and voter registered counts.

Want to Help Lead?
We are looking for passionate folks to join the leadership team for this project! If you want to help guide our congregation's efforts, please reach out directly to Valeria​ ([email protected]).

See you on June 21st in the Common Room—let’s show up for our values and our community!