A Community Leader's Perfect Day in the City

Morning: The Calm Start

I usually begin my day at Friends of Friends, where good coffee and even better company set the tone along with some good food and music to make my heart beat. After a couple of hours of conversation and grounding energy, I bike down to Chicano Park and meet up with some friends. We stop at Future is Color for NO RSVP, their weekly Saturday DJ event, and soak in the energy of the space. When I need a breather I walk through Chicano Park and the neighborhood. Walking around the park reminds me of its rich history and how the area was once a partially Black neighborhood, a place where Black and Brown communities stood in solidarity. Every visit feels like a connection to the past. 

And if it’s a Friday...

Friday is my day off work, but I start the day by heading to Creative Mornings, which takes place at the San Diego Central Library in Downtown at 8:15 a.m. on the last Friday of each month. As the host, I’ve got to be there, but I highly recommend attending, as it's a place of connection to all parts of the city. When I arrive, I’m greeted with free coffee, doughnuts, community and a 20-minute lecture from someone making big moves in the community. It’s the perfect way to kick off the day and connect with like-minded individuals and get inspired. 

Whenever I head downtown, I’m reminded of what brought my family to San Diego. My great-grandma moved from Pensacola, FL, to Barrio Logan in the ‘60s, for the promises of opportunity and the allure of the “Harlem of the West,” in places like The Douglas Hotel. It's where legends like Joe Louis, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday and Dinah Washington graced the stage, leaving their mark on the city’s cultural history. Learn more about that here. 

Midday: Fuel up at the Mental Bar and the Black Arts and Culture District 

By noon, I make my way to The Mental Bar in the Black Arts and Culture District, where I find good coffee and inspiration in conversations and ideas shared. I take my drink down to Pillars of the Community and have a life-altering conversation and take some photos to capture the moment. Afterward I go to The Block Club a few doors down and do some co-working. Then I walk down to Marie Widman Park and read a book for 30 minutes before going to get my hair cut at Freshly Faded in North Park.

Afternoon: Dog Beach and Simplicity 

Leaving Freshly Faded, since I’m close to Louisiana Purchase I take a spot there for lunch. After lunch, I’ll head home to pick up my dog and visit Coronado Dog Beach – it’s my favorite and I feel as though the dog people need to know! It’s a paradise for pups, with dogs running freely and enjoying life. The beach reminds me of how San Diego’s charm lies in doing nothing and everything all at once (and that the military are our neighbors). The city’s laid-back vibe is its true perfection.

Evening: San Diego’s Soul

As the sun sets, San Diego slows down, and I’m reminded of the peace this city offers. It’s not about doing more; it’s about doing just enough to nourish the soul. Here, everything is simple, yet fulfilling, and that’s what makes it perfect.