Today’s newsletter is presented by AddressSD.
Good morning, San Diego ☀️
Here’s what we have for you today:
- Charges were dropped against a San Diego resident who was indicted in Navy bribery scandal.
- Head’s up: We’ll be taking the day off tomorrow to celebrate America’s big 250! We’ll see you Sunday.
Jennifer Vigil
News editor
Top story
Chula Vista musician, 21, composes ‘Land of the Free,’ an orchestral tribute to America’s 250th birthday
There’s the easy way to celebrate America’s Big Birthday – the way we do it every year, actually. Picnic at the beach (but, whew, hard to find a spot), the park (slightly easier) or a backyard barbecue at home (easiest of all), then a mad rush to the bayfront for the Big Bay Boom.
Or you can do what a Chula Vista college student did. You can write a symphony.
Granted, Oluwaloba Salami has a gift, one he nurtured in part by playing violin with the East County Youth Symphony.
At just 21, he’s already supporting the symphony, which premiered his “Land of the Free” after the conductor asked him to create a piece for America’s 250th anniversary.
Salami, who hails from a Navy family, was happy to oblige, calling it “a real privilege” to give back to the symphony.
The United States’ rugged and varied landscape, in part, inspired Salami’s composition. What inspires you about our fair land? You may eat a hot dog Saturday, or raise a beer in toast to our Founding Fathers, but it’s a fine time to reflect too, on what this country has done for you – and what you can do for your country (hat tip to President Kennedy).
But hey, let me veer back to fireworks. You may favor the Big Bay Boom or your neighborhood show, but either way, we’ve got a list of all the choice fireworks spots for you.
We share these thoughts today, the official Fourth of July holiday ahead of the real big day Saturday, because there won’t be a newsletter tomorrow. We wish everyone – whether at the beach, the park or at home – the happiest and safest of Independence Days!
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⚾️ Musgrove, for first time, reveals extent of surgery that’s sidelined him for almost two years: His surgery, back in October 2024, went beyond traditional Tommy John ligament replacement. But the right-hander told Times of San Diego he expects to be pitching again this season.
🏅 After 50 years of providing LGBTQ-informed rehabilitation, Stepping Stone receives Stonewall service award: The residential drug and alcohol recovery center began as a cluster of houses in City Heights and has grown to an outpatient facility, three sober living houses and short-term recovery services.
📱 SDUSD votes to place more restrictions on technology, a year after cell phone ban on campuses: Video-streaming platforms will be limited, there will be on/off hours on district-issued devices and software with AI functions will be restricted.
🕯️ Opinion: Kelly Davis gave San Diego its conscience and changed mine, a retired sheriff’s commander writes.
What else we’re reading
🤲 Members of the Muslim community in San Diego are lifting each other up and coming together as they work to heal from last month’s deadly Mosque attack. (Daylight San Diego)
🚓 San Diego Police were investigating a homicide in Point Loma yesterday, which prompted a portion of Nimitz Boulevard to be closed off. (NBC 7)
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Locals Only
⚽️ We asked you: Where’s the best spot to watch the World Cup in San Diego? Here’s what San Diegans had to say:
🏅 Bluefoot Bar and Lounge on 30th Street from Lisa R.