Security enhancements planned for San Diego Pride weekend

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Roughly 250,000 people are expected to gather in Hillcrest for the annual San Diego Pride Parade this weekend, which will feature a huge police presence.

Thousands of attendees will be joined by additional officers from across San Diego County, as well as state and federal agencies.

Preparations are underway at Balboa Park for Saturday’s parade, which marks a milestone.

“Fifty years ago, in 1974, our community activists tried to get a permit for Pride and were told there would never be a gay event in San Diego. And here we are,” said Jen Labarbera, interim co-executive director of San Diego Pride.

Labarbera noted the event’s progress over the decades, but acknowledged ongoing challenges.

“As rhetoric against our community continues to escalate, so do threats and hate crimes. Reported hate crimes have increased, but many go unreported,” Labarbera said.

Safety is a top priority for organizers, who have arranged for extensive private security.

“We take all steps necessary to ensure this celebration is safe for everyone to enjoy,” Labarbera added.

In May, four businesses in Hillcrest were targeted by drive-by pellet gun attacks, causing several injuries. In response, San Diego police have installed more smart streetlights in Hillcrest to enhance surveillance and prevent hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community.

“Our special weapons and tactics teams will be out, as well as our drones,” said Lt. Daniel Meyer.

According to the California Department of Justice, hate crimes based on sexual orientation have increased. From 2022 to 2023, the number rose by 3.6%.

“The California versus Hate hotline is a direct response to the documented increase in hate across the country,” said Kevin Kish, director of the California Civil Rights Department.

Kish encourages people to use the state’s first-ever multilingual statewide hotline and online portal, which offers safe access to report hate crimes and provides care coordination services to victims.

“If you or someone you know is the target of an act of hate, you can call our hotline at 833-866-4283, or 8338 NO HATE,” Kish said. “Pride is a joyful time, but we also recognize this community is targeted for hate, and we want to ensure they know where to go.”

San Diego police officers also remind people to stay vigilant. If you see something suspicious, say something.

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