SAN DIEGO — It’s been 53 years since San Diego Pride first paraded through the streets of Hillcrest, and now Pride is back in full form for the first time since the pandemic shuttered the festival there. three years old.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria has tightened security in Hillcrest after a series of recent parade attacks, calling the local police department among the best in the country.
“We have intelligence sharing, we have a lot of advanced planning of undercover officers and a lot of SWAT team officers here, so people can come here and they can feel safe and if God wants it, we will have a wonderful and successful pride after a few years off, ”said Gloria.
Due to the increase in COVID, some people wore masks on Friday, but the outside also helps with ventilation.
Political forces gathered for the Stonewall Memorial Speeches, remembering those in the gay community who first fought back against systemic discrimination. California’s acting governor, Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins, said Hillcrest Pride acts as a beacon of freedom for other marginalized LGBTQ citizens.
“Celebrate all that we’ve won, but to realize that we need to stay strong and support communities across the country that don’t have the kind of support we have in California and San Diego,” Atkins said.
And as the party and fun begin with all of San Diego eagerly awaiting Saturday’s parade, FOX 5 asked the mayor for the best pro tip for enjoying Pride this weekend.
“Sit in the shade. It always amazes me that people choose the sunny side of the street and the shady side of the street, the pros know how to sit under the trees,” Gloria said.
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