SAN DIEGO — CBS 8 was live from the San Diego community of Hillcrest the entire morning on Friday, July 19, 2024, sharing all of the things that make this community special.
Welcome to Hillcrest
For years the San Diego Pride Parade has started in the heart of Hillcrest, making its way around the neighborhood’s iconic LGBTQ+ establishments.
“There’s some kind of magic being in that neighborhood,” said Jen LaBarbera the Interim Co-Executive Director of San Diego Pride.
That magic that LaBarbera described starts at the intersection of University Avenue and Normal Street where the Pride flag flies high and proud. It's also the spot where the Pride Parade kicks off.
But Hillcrest wasn’t always the “Gayborhood” it is today. In the late 1960s, it was still a sleepy suburban town. Gay oppression and discriminatory laws were fueling the nation, until a wave of social activism started and inspired many people in the LGBTQ+ community to feel free to be who they are.
“The first pride march in San Diego happened in 1974," LaBarbra said. "And it actually didn’t happen in Hillcrest. It didn’t move to Hillcrest for many years. But it was an impermanent march in 1974 to honor the anniversary of the Stonewall Riot. The sergeant told organizers there will never be a gay parade in San Diego.”
But never eventually turned into annually. The parade is now held every July. It’s a win that gay bars in Hillcrest helped gain.
“For so many years, for decades, our gay bars were the one place that our people could be truly safe and themselves,” explained LaBarbera.
Today Hillcrest has no shortage of symbolic pride. Colorful rainbows are painted on different streets, gay-owned businesses show off their pride and even nearby homes bring support.
“The expectation in Hillcrest is that you are LGBTQ+ affirming. Even if you’re not queer or trans. You’re probably going to have a pride flag outside your house,” said LaBarbera.
While the future of LGBTQ+ rights continues to be threatened politically and anti-gay rhetoric still surrounds the community, LaBarbera said that only makes them stronger:
“We’ve been here before and we are going to keep going and we’re still going to win.”
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria sits down with Evan Noorani
Mayor Gloria sat down with CBS 8's Evan Noorani to talk about several topics as San Diego Pride celebrations get ready to kick off.
Gloria talked about his coming out story and said he found his voice as an activist in the 1990s while he was attending school at the University of San Diego.
The mayor also addressed making the safety of the LGBTQ+ community a top priority and what he’s done to foster an inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community in San Diego.
8 great things to do in Hillcrest
There are many diverse things to do and see in Hillcrest, including visiting craft cocktail establishments, flower shops and bookstores. CBS 8 is highlighting great spots you need to check out.
San Diego Pride Parade
The Pride Parade is held every July and is the nation’s third largest parade.
Rich’s
This top spot hosts events all year long and will be the place to be during Pride 2024.
Hillcrest CityFest
This event is branded as the "ultimate free neighborhood summer street party." The summer art and music festival takes over Fifth Avenue on the second Sunday in August from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. The celebration features live bands, electric DJs, arts, crafts and food.
Hillcrest Farmers Market
It’s known as San Diego’s largest and best farmers market. The market features more than 175 vendors every Sunday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Pride Plaza.
Bluestocking Books
This business has been open since 1967 when it was known as Otento Books before changing its name in 1999. Bluestocking Books sells used and new books, as well as greeting cards, postcards and other gift items. Dogs are also welcome.
The Candy Pushers
This candy shop is lesbian-owned and sells homemade fudge, specialty chocolates and over a thousand varieties of candy. The Candy Pushers also host game nights on the first Thursday of every month.
Rainbow Flowers
They specialize in European and Ecuadorian roses. There are also arrangements of exotic flowers and Rainbow Flowers delivers across San Diego County.
Barrel & Board
Owned by the same team as Gossip Grill and also known as B&B Social, you can try chef-inspired shareable boards and specialty cocktails. This spot specializes in women-forward and POC wine and spirits.
Gossip Grill
One of just a few lesbian bars in the country, Gossip Grill is now a world-renowned spot and a place to hang out for local regulars. The message at Gossip Grill is one of love, acceptance and support.
How to watch the San Diego Pride Parade
CBS 8 is live in Hillcrest Friday to preview the San Diego Pride Parade that steps off Saturday, July 20, starting at 10 a.m. The Pride Festival is San Diego's largest two-day event and also kicks off Saturday at 11 a.m. and continues into Sunday, July 21.
You can watch this year’s Pride Parade starting at 10:00 a.m. on The CW San Diego.
CBS 8 will also be live-streaming the Pride Parade across our digital platforms and on our streaming channel CBS8+. Here’s how to watch:
CBS8+ on Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire TV: https://cbs8.com/plus
CBS 8 Website: https://www.cbs8.com
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