 There is nothing quite like a great meal shared with even better company—especially when that meal supports a vital cause in our community.
We are thrilled to invite you to join Ambassador Jan Garbosky and Rainbow Action for this year’s Dining Out for Life event! We’ll be gathering at the local favorite, The Big Front Door, for a lunch that’s as meaningful as it is delicious. Why We’re Gathering Dining Out for Life is more than just a lunch date; it’s a powerhouse fundraiser for The San Diego LGBT Community Center. A portion of the proceeds from our meal will go directly toward funding The Center’s essential health and wellness programs. These services provide a lifeline for many in our community, ensuring everyone has access to the care and support they deserve. The Details Whether you’re a long-time ally or a new friend, we’d love to see you there. We’ve always had a wonderful time at these gatherings, and the atmosphere at BFD is the perfect backdrop for catching up and making a difference.
What’s on the Menu? If you haven’t been to The Big Front Door, you’re in for a treat. Known for their "Cali-deli" style, they serve up some of the best sandwiches, salads, and house-cured meats in University Heights. A Note to Our Friends: We warmly invite all our friends and allies to pull up a chair. Let’s fill the patio with laughter, solidarity, and support for The Center. Can't make it for lunch? You can still support the cause by stopping by BFD any time on April 23rd or by donating directly to The Center’s wellness initiatives. We can’t wait to see you there! Let’s make this the most successful (and delicious) Dining Out for Life yet.
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 We are thrilled to announce our next gathering, where we will dive into the evocative world of Laila Ibrahim. Whether you are a long-time fan of her historical fiction or looking for a compelling new read, this is a session you won't want to miss.
The Featured Selection We will discuss Mustard Seed, the powerful second installment in the Yellow Crocus series. Set in the wake of the Civil War, the novel follows the journey of Lisbeth and Mattie as they navigate the complexities of freedom, family, and the enduring bonds formed in the face of systemic injustice. It is a poignant exploration of healing and the courage required to build a new future. Event Details Join us for a deep dive into the themes of the book and a lively group discussion. We are also incredibly excited to share that the author will be joining us via a live online session to answer questions and provide insight into her writing process!
How to Join Whether you’ve finished the book or are just starting the final chapters, we welcome your perspective. Interested in attending? Please contact Louise for more information ([email protected]). We look forward to seeing you there for an evening of great conversation and literary discovery!  The Racialized Identities Awareness Book Group invites you to a deep dive into the lush and complex world of Hilo, Hawaii. This month, we are exploring Ryka Aoki’s He Mele A Hilo—a vibrant, multi-layered novel that explores the intersections of culture, identity, and the "song" of a community.
Whether you are a long-time member or a newcomer looking for thoughtful conversation, we would love to have you join our circle. Event Details
About the Book Set in Hilo, Hawaii, Aoki’s novel is more than just a story; it’s a symphony of voices. It follows various characters—from a transgender social worker to a local storyteller—as they navigate the pressures of tradition, the legacy of colonialism, and the search for authentic belonging. It’s a perfect selection for our group as we discuss how racialized identities and cultural histories shape our modern lives. How to Join We believe in open, respectful dialogue and welcome all perspectives. If you need the link for the virtual meeting or have any questions about the reading, please reach out. For more information, please contact Louise ([email protected]).  Join us for a powerful evening of film and dialogue as the Social Justice Film Series continues. In April, the Palestine Israel Justice Team presents a screening that has captured the world’s attention and sparked a global conversation on human rights and accountability.
Event Details
The Film: The Voice of Hind Rajab This Oscar-nominated documentary documents the harrowing final hours of five-year-old Hind Rajab. After her family’s car came under fire, Hind found herself the sole survivor, surrounded by deceased family members. The film utilizes the actual recordings of Hind’s desperate phone calls to the Red Crescent. Despite workers spending three hours securing clearance from Israeli forces for a rescue, the ambulance was fired upon just as it reached her. The film documents not only Hind’s tragic death but also the killing of the medical team sent to save her. A Global Impact:
Navigating the Narrative The film has faced significant pressure from industry groups seeking to block its recognition. Critics argue the film lacks "context" regarding evacuation warnings or the events of October 7. However, the Palestine Israel Justice Team emphasizes that Hind and her family were civilians attempting to heed evacuation orders when they were killed. This screening provides a space to witness the human cost of conflict that often gets lost in political rhetoric. Following the screening, we will hold a facilitated discussion to process the film's message, explore the human cost of the conflict, and discuss the role of art in seeking accountability. About the Palestine Israel Justice Team Guided by UU principles, our team strives to inform and mobilize the First UU community to recognize and counter inequality and injustice. We are committed to supporting our allies in San Diego’s anti-oppression communities and firmly oppose all forms of racism, including anti-Muslim, anti-Arab, and anti-Jewish bigotry. We invite you to bear witness to this story and join the discussion afterward.  Our community is powerful when we stand together, and right now, the South Bay Food Pantry needs a little extra backup.
On Saturday, March 28th, many of our regular volunteers will be participating in the No Kings protest. While we support our neighbors in their civic engagement, their absence leaves us with a significant staffing shortage. We need you to help us bridge the gap and ensure that our operations run smoothly so that no one in our community goes hungry. Shift Details Whether you’re an early bird or prefer the midday hustle, we have a spot for you:
Location South Bay campus St John's Episcopal Church 760 1st Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910 How to Help You don't need a background in logistics or food service to make a difference. All we require is:
📧 [email protected] Thank you for showing up for the pantry. Let’s work together to keep our shelves moving and our neighbors supported!  At First UU, our commitment to social justice isn't just a Sunday morning sentiment—it is a practice of showing up where the need is greatest. For months, our congregation has proudly partnered with the San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP) in the FAITH (Faithful Accompaniment in Trust & Hope) program.
This vital ministry provides a "reflective presence" for our immigrant neighbors. FAITH volunteers accompany individuals to daunting immigration court hearings and ICE check-ins, standing as a bulwark against intimidation and ensuring that no one has to face a broken system alone. A Turn Toward Intimidation A few weeks ago, the landscape of this ministry shifted abruptly. While FAITH and Detention Resistance volunteers were performing their usual roles as observers in the hallways of the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building, they were approached by Federal agents. Despite months of peaceful presence, volunteers were told they were "loitering" and were ordered to leave the building. The encounter escalated as agents threatened volunteers with citations and heavy fines. Ultimately, one FAITH volunteer and several members of Detention Resistance were detained and issued citations for "failure to comply with official signs." These tactics are a clear attempt to shield the immigration process from public oversight. When the government moves to push people of faith and conscience out of public hallways, it is a signal that they do not want the world to see what is happening inside. We Will Not Be Moved Though we have been forced out of the hallways, the heart of FAITH remains unbroken. We are adapting to ensure that "presence" remains our most powerful gift:
What’s Next? As Father Scott Santarosa recently noted, we believe we have a right to be there—not to obstruct, but to witness. Our faith compels us to stay close to those the system seeks to marginalize. We will keep the congregation updated as SDOP coordinates our next steps. In the meantime, the work continues on the sidewalk, in our hearts, and in our unwavering support for a more just and compassionate immigration system.  The Racialized Identities Awareness Book Group invites you to a powerful evening of reflection and dialogue as we dive into Gordon Parks’ seminal memoir, A Choice of Weapons.
Whether you are a long-time fan of Parks’ photography and filmmaking or are picking up his prose for the first time, this session promises to be a profound exploration of resilience, systemic struggle, and the transformative power of art. Why This Book Matters In A Choice of Weapons, Parks chronicles his journey through the United States during the mid-20th century. Facing a world defined by poverty and crushing racism, he famously decided that his "weapons" would not be violence, but a camera and a pen. It is a raw, honest look at how one individual navigated a landscape of inequality to become one of the most influential artists of his generation. Event Details We are offering a hybrid format to ensure everyone can join the conversation, regardless of where they are.
What to Expect Our book group focuses on fostering a safe, intellectual, and empathetic space to discuss how race and identity shape our world. During this session, we will:
"I saw that the camera could be a weapon against poverty, against racism, against all sorts of social wrongs. I knew at that point I had to have a camera." — Gordon Parks How to Participate You don’t need to have finished the entire book to join—though we certainly encourage it! Come ready to listen, share, and learn from one another. Contact Louise Titlow ([email protected]) for more info. |
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(619) 298-9978
We have two campuses:
Hillcrest campus: 4190 Front Street, San Diego, CA. 92103 | South Bay campus: Saint John’s Episcopal Church, 760 1st Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910
For GPS to our Hillcrest Campus, please use 298 W Arbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92103
For detailed directions, parking and more see our Contact page.
We have two campuses:
Hillcrest campus: 4190 Front Street, San Diego, CA. 92103 | South Bay campus: Saint John’s Episcopal Church, 760 1st Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910
For GPS to our Hillcrest Campus, please use 298 W Arbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92103
For detailed directions, parking and more see our Contact page.
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