HUNTINGTON BEACH
GAY CONGRESSMAN FACES BOLD NEW DISTRICT UNDER PROP 50
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed Prop 50 redistricting maps would significantly reshape Rep. Robert Garcia’s district, shifting it from Democratic-leaning Los Angeles County south into conservative Orange County — including Huntington Beach, a city that recently banned the Pride flag. Under the plan, Garcia, a progressive gay Democrat from Long Beach, would take on more Republican voters than any other Democratic incumbent in California. He has embraced the challenge, viewing the addition of GOP-heavy coastal communities as a point of pride. Garcia, a 47-year-old immigrant from Peru, has risen quickly in Democratic leadership, becoming the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee.
PALM SPRINGS
EIGHT F00T TALL LGBT MONUMENT UNVEILED
Greater Palm Springs Pride unveiled an eight-foot-tall monument last month honoring the contributions of the LGBT community during a ceremony at Frances Stevens Park. Mayor Ron deHarte joined Pride Monument Board President Al Jones, Palm Springs Art Commission Chair Gary Armstrong, Human Rights Commission Chair Hugo Loyola, artist Jim Isermann, and community members, activists and supporters for the dedication. DeHarte said the monument is “more than just an incredible piece of art,” calling it a permanent symbol of the community’s history, courage and spirit. He said it will also serve as a gathering place and educational resource recognizing the impact of LGBT residents in the region.
SAN DIEGO
THREE INJURED IN PELLET GUN ATTACKS
Three women were injured last month after pellet gun rounds were fired from a Ford F-150 at two LGBTQ bars, San Diego police said. The shootings occurred shortly after 1 a.m. on Nov. 15 at the SRO Lounge on 5th Avenue and Flicks on University Avenue. Police said it is too soon to determine whether the attacks are connected to a similar series of pellet gun shootings at LGBTQ bars last year, in which four 19-year-old men were convicted of hate-crime-related charges. Detectives are gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses and urged the public to provide information by calling 619-531-2000.
LOS ANGELES
LA LGBT CENTER LAUNCHES 3-DAY CYCLING FUNDRAISER
The Los Angeles LGBT Center has launched Center Ride Out, a new three-day cycling fundraiser set for April 24–26, 2026, traveling from Los Angeles to San Diego. The event replaces the long-running AIDS/LifeCycle, which raised over $300 million since 1994. CEO Joe Hollendoner said the ride will honor that legacy while advancing the Center’s mission to support LGBTQ+ health, equity, and visibility. Proceeds will fund the Center’s programs, with 10% of net proceeds supporting the San Diego LGBT Community Center and The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert.
WEST HOLLYWOOD
STORIES: THE AIDS MONUMENT MEMORIAL
West Hollywood unveiled the long-awaited STORIES: The AIDS Monument last month, marking one of Southern California’s most significant memorials dedicated to the AIDS epidemic. The ceremony—relocated indoors to the Silver Screen Theatre due to rain—drew a full crowd, with overflow attendees watching from lobby screens. The program featured performances, emotional readings, and reflections from community leaders, activists, and medical experts. Located in West Hollywood Park, the monument features interactive light, sound, and sculptural storytelling elements designed by artist Daniel Tobin. More than a decade in the making, the installation aims to honor lives lost, uplift survivors and caregivers, and educate future generations about the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS.
