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Deadly shooting at San Diego's largest mosque

Officers evacuated people from the Clairemont mosque as police responded Monday afternoon.

Politics & Policy

Five people are dead — including two gunmen — after a shooting at the Islamic Center of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Diego" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego" data-vars-content-id="51a70942-b794-481d-b880-4f1c2617effa" data-vars-headline="Deadly shooting at San Diego&#x27;s largest mosque" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego" target="_self">San Diego</a> in Clairemont, according to San Diego Police.

San Diego mosque shooting victims praised for "heroic" actions

The 3 community members are being remembered for protecting children and others.

The three victims in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Monday&#x27;s shooting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/18/shooting-san-diego-islamic-center" data-vars-content-id="83203d6a-8309-4dcd-9b8e-91bb216300bc" data-vars-headline="San Diego mosque shooting victims praised for &quot;heroic&quot; actions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/18/shooting-san-diego-islamic-center" target="_self">Monday&#x27;s shooting</a> at the Islamic Center of San Diego were all beloved members of the Muslim community and acted heroically to save other lives, according to community leaders and San Diego police.Security guard Amin Abdullah, as well as community members Mansour Kaziha and Nader Awad, were shot outside <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the center&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/18/san-diego-islamic-center-shooting-mosque-threats" data-vars-content-id="83203d6a-8309-4dcd-9b8e-91bb216300bc" data-vars-headline="San Diego mosque shooting victims praised for &quot;heroic&quot; actions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/18/san-diego-islamic-center-shooting-mosque-threats" target="_self">the center&#x27;s</a> entrance and are being lauded for preventing violence from reaching children attending school inside.

What to know about California's June 2 primary

California voters will weigh in on crowded statewide races and key San Diego measures this June.

Politics

The June 2 primary is coming up, and California voters have a lot to decide.Why it matters: More than a dozen statewide elections will alter the political landscape in the Golden State, from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crowded governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/04/13/eric-swalwell-drops-out-california-governor-race-scandal-democrats-open-field" data-vars-content-id="d5348f82-8210-44b5-bc7b-323cf802acbe" data-vars-headline="What to know about California&#x27;s June 2 primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/04/13/eric-swalwell-drops-out-california-governor-race-scandal-democrats-open-field" target="_self">crowded governor&#x27;s race</a> to the consequential campaign for insurance commissioner.<ul><li>The top two vote-getters in the primary advance to the November general election, regardless of party affiliation. (For a full list of candidates, check out <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="California&#x27;s official voter information guide" data-vars-click-url="https://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/candidates/" data-vars-content-id="d5348f82-8210-44b5-bc7b-323cf802acbe" data-vars-headline="What to know about California&#x27;s June 2 primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/candidates/" target="_blank">California&#x27;s official voter information guide</a>.)</li></ul>

Some in San Diego Islamic Center community feared attack for years

Some in San Diego Muslim community feared attack for years

"This is all of our nightmares," she told Axios.

News

Homayra Yusufi has gone to the Islamic Center of San Diego since she was a child and told Axios that the community has long been afraid something like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Monday&#x27;s fatal shooting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/18/shooting-san-diego-islamic-center" data-vars-content-id="4352fb97-be0a-46aa-a06c-57fa0636331a" data-vars-headline="Some in San Diego Islamic Center community feared attack for years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/18/shooting-san-diego-islamic-center" target="_self">Monday&#x27;s fatal shooting</a> would happen. <ul><li>&quot;The Islamic Center has gotten multiple threats of violence, and so this is all of our nightmares,&quot; she said.</li></ul>

How governor candidates would handle taxes and greenhouse gas

Candidates offered different plans on tax policy and greenhouse gas reductions.

Editor&#x27;s note: This is part 3 of our series asking California gubernatorial candidates how they would address our state&#x27;s most pressing issues. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Go here" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/14/june-2-primary-california-gas-electricity-affordability" data-vars-content-id="bf74732e-aa30-4d94-b424-0bab1e9cf48c" data-vars-headline="How governor candidates would handle taxes and greenhouse gas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/14/june-2-primary-california-gas-electricity-affordability" target="_self">Go here</a> for part 1 and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="here for part 2" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/15/california-governor-race-encampments-housing-mental-health" data-vars-content-id="bf74732e-aa30-4d94-b424-0bab1e9cf48c" data-vars-headline="How governor candidates would handle taxes and greenhouse gas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/15/california-governor-race-encampments-housing-mental-health" target="_self">here for part 2</a>.We posed your questions to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="candidates for governor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/gavin-newsom-california-governor-race" data-vars-content-id="bf74732e-aa30-4d94-b424-0bab1e9cf48c" data-vars-headline="How governor candidates would handle taxes and greenhouse gas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/gavin-newsom-california-governor-race" target="_self">candidates for governor</a> on high tax payers and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="greenhouse gas emissions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/12/epa-greenhouse-gas-emissions-humans" data-vars-content-id="bf74732e-aa30-4d94-b424-0bab1e9cf48c" data-vars-headline="How governor candidates would handle taxes and greenhouse gas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/12/epa-greenhouse-gas-emissions-humans" target="_self">greenhouse gas emissions</a>.The big picture: Below are their responses. The top two vote-getters in June will advance to the November runoff.

How California's gubernatorial candidates would tackle homelessness

Their proposals range from interim housing expansion to mandatory treatment and camp removals.

Editor&#x27;s note: This is part 2 of our series hearing from California&#x27;s gubernatorial candidates on pressing issues in our state. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Go here" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/14/june-2-primary-california-gas-electricity-affordability" data-vars-content-id="bc95154d-5360-4fa5-a370-518deb8d9191" data-vars-headline="How California&#x27;s gubernatorial candidates would tackle homelessness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/14/june-2-primary-california-gas-electricity-affordability" target="_self">Go here</a> to read part 1.<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Homelessness" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/02/03/san-diego-homelessness-hhap-state-grant-funding-budget-risk" data-vars-content-id="bc95154d-5360-4fa5-a370-518deb8d9191" data-vars-headline="How California&#x27;s gubernatorial candidates would tackle homelessness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/02/03/san-diego-homelessness-hhap-state-grant-funding-budget-risk" target="_self">Homelessness</a> continues to be one of the biggest problems in California, and we asked the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="candidates for governor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/gavin-newsom-california-governor-race" data-vars-content-id="bc95154d-5360-4fa5-a370-518deb8d9191" data-vars-headline="How California&#x27;s gubernatorial candidates would tackle homelessness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/gavin-newsom-california-governor-race" target="_self">candidates for governor</a> how they&#x27;d handle it.

Public bathroom cuts still loom across San Diego

The updated proposal would shutter restrooms in Balboa Park, Mission Bay and downtown.

There&#x27;s bad news for families, runners and anyone who drinks a lot of coffee: Many San Diego public bathrooms are still on the chopping block in the mayor&#x27;s revised <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="budget" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/04/15/san-diego-mayor-gloria-draft-city-budget-2027-arts-police-fire-spending" data-vars-content-id="0050a27c-5b6a-4a41-a482-dece2e7f5ef3" data-vars-headline="Public bathroom cuts still loom across San Diego" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/04/15/san-diego-mayor-gloria-draft-city-budget-2027-arts-police-fire-spending" target="_self">budget</a> proposal.The big picture: Mayor Todd Gloria&#x27;s updated budget, released Wednesday, restores some of the bathrooms threatened to be cut last month but would still close public facilities in downtown, Balboa Park and Mission Bay.

How California governor hopefuls would lower gas and energy bills

Three candidates responded with different plans for cheaper gas and electricity.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cost of living issues" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/26/san-diego-budget-deficit-fee-hikes-trash-parking-water-2025" data-vars-content-id="c50407c7-4c14-4910-af2b-a556acd08fc5" data-vars-headline="How California governor hopefuls would lower gas and energy bills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/26/san-diego-budget-deficit-fee-hikes-trash-parking-water-2025" target="_self">Cost of living issues</a> are top of mind, so we grilled <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the candidates for governor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/13/california-june-2-primary-san-diego-ballot-guide-governor-insurance-commissioner" data-vars-content-id="c50407c7-4c14-4910-af2b-a556acd08fc5" data-vars-headline="How California governor hopefuls would lower gas and energy bills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/13/california-june-2-primary-san-diego-ballot-guide-governor-insurance-commissioner" target="_self">the candidates for governor</a> on how they plan to get costs down.The big picture: Ballots are out for the June 2 primary, and we asked you for questions for the contenders.<ul><li>Two questions focused on utility costs and gas prices, which have both skyrocketed this year.</li></ul>

Why a ballot measure is filling your mailbox with ads

Realtors are spending big to fight San Diego's proposed tax on vacant second homes.

Has your mailbox been overflowing with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mailers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/27/san-diego-city-fees-2026-tax-hike-ballot-measures" data-vars-content-id="52570e83-f18d-4db4-9e02-f7ead71f9d93" data-vars-headline="Why a ballot measure is filling your mailbox with ads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/27/san-diego-city-fees-2026-tax-hike-ballot-measures" target="_self">mailers</a> about Measure A lately? Ours too. Here&#x27;s what the measure is all about.Why it matters: The proposed tax on vacant homes would bring in millions to the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="general fund" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/04/15/san-diego-mayor-gloria-draft-city-budget-2027-arts-police-fire-spending" data-vars-content-id="52570e83-f18d-4db4-9e02-f7ead71f9d93" data-vars-headline="Why a ballot measure is filling your mailbox with ads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/04/15/san-diego-mayor-gloria-draft-city-budget-2027-arts-police-fire-spending" target="_self">general fund</a>, and it&#x27;s attracting sizable spending from outside organizations that want to stop it.

How to weigh in as San Diego budget hearings begin

From public meetings to written input, here are the ways to weigh in as the city debates spending.

Now&#x27;s your chance to be heard about San Diego&#x27;s next <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fiscal budget" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/04/15/san-diego-mayor-gloria-draft-city-budget-2027-arts-police-fire-spending" data-vars-content-id="d910ca2e-a7ad-456d-b276-b6e496f87791" data-vars-headline="How to weigh in as San Diego budget hearings begin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/04/15/san-diego-mayor-gloria-draft-city-budget-2027-arts-police-fire-spending" target="_self">fiscal budget</a>.Why it matters: The budget approval process is often contentious, and this year it could be even more so.<ul><li>Groups are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="already protesting" data-vars-click-url="https://fox5sandiego.com/news/local-news/san-diego-arts-budget-cuts-protest/" data-vars-content-id="d910ca2e-a7ad-456d-b276-b6e496f87791" data-vars-headline="How to weigh in as San Diego budget hearings begin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fox5sandiego.com/news/local-news/san-diego-arts-budget-cuts-protest/" target="_blank">already protesting</a> over proposed cuts, and the mayor has promised <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="no new fees" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/26/san-diego-budget-deficit-fee-hikes-trash-parking-water-2025" data-vars-content-id="d910ca2e-a7ad-456d-b276-b6e496f87791" data-vars-headline="How to weigh in as San Diego budget hearings begin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/26/san-diego-budget-deficit-fee-hikes-trash-parking-water-2025" target="_self">no new fees</a> to make up for the $146 million deficit.</li></ul>

Using AI to map homelessness

The SDSU tool tracks encampments and services year-round to guide outreach and planning.

AI is helping San Diego State University researchers build a comprehensive, real-time map of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homeless population" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/05/20/2025-homeless-count-san-diego" data-vars-content-id="b0bb51b5-22cf-46c9-ba5d-0d236a581d9a" data-vars-headline="Using AI to map homelessness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/05/20/2025-homeless-count-san-diego" target="_self">homeless population</a> and resources across the city.The big picture: The map shows hot spots of homelessness in specific neighborhoods, plus movement and migration patterns throughout the year, professor Ming Tsou told Axios.<ul><li>The interactive map seeks to create a more thorough view of homeless encampments throughout the year, which researchers say could make <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="services more targeted" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/05/13/homelessness-outpacing-shelter-supply-affordable-housing" data-vars-content-id="b0bb51b5-22cf-46c9-ba5d-0d236a581d9a" data-vars-headline="Using AI to map homelessness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/05/13/homelessness-outpacing-shelter-supply-affordable-housing" target="_self">services more targeted</a> and efficient.</li></ul>

Google AI search boosts city of San Diego's news narrative

Search results often highlight the city's own posts, leaving out outside reporting and criticism.

A city-run news site is gobbling up Google results for San Diego and pushing out traditional media links thanks to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI-powered" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/26/owned-media-ai-llm-seo-communications" data-vars-content-id="aee89e0f-554d-4ae7-aef3-884d45e74352" data-vars-headline="Google AI search boosts city of San Diego&#x27;s news narrative" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/26/owned-media-ai-llm-seo-communications" target="_self">AI-powered</a> search.Why it matters: As Google shifts to AI-first search, links to that city news site regularly show up at the top of results.<ul><li>That means the city&#x27;s take may be the only one readers see, which worries media watchers who fear that, as a result, all sides of an issue won&#x27;t be seen.</li></ul>

Big takeaways from Mayor Gloria's draft budget

The spending plan would close a $146 million deficit through layoffs, new revenue and deep cuts.

Mayor Todd Gloria&#x27;s proposed budget would gut San Diego&#x27;s arts organizations and cut library and rec center hours while beefing up the police and fire departments.The big picture: Released Wednesday, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mayor&#x27;s $2.2 billion spending plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sandiego.gov/finance/draft" data-vars-content-id="3c2f2eb0-dc5b-4572-a9ed-07f3dab2678e" data-vars-headline="Big takeaways from Mayor Gloria&#x27;s draft budget" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sandiego.gov/finance/draft" target="_blank">mayor&#x27;s $2.2 billion spending plan</a> would close a projected $146 million deficit through furloughs, new revenue, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cuts to city services" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/04/15/gloria-proposes-layoffs-furloughs-and-deep-cuts-to-arts-libraries-recreation-to-close-146m-deficit/" data-vars-content-id="3c2f2eb0-dc5b-4572-a9ed-07f3dab2678e" data-vars-headline="Big takeaways from Mayor Gloria&#x27;s draft budget" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/04/15/gloria-proposes-layoffs-furloughs-and-deep-cuts-to-arts-libraries-recreation-to-close-146m-deficit/" target="_blank">cuts to city services</a> and programs, including layoffs.

Politics 🇺🇸

How governor candidates would handle taxes and greenhouse gas

How California's gubernatorial candidates would tackle homelessness

Public bathroom cuts still loom across San Diego

How California governor hopefuls would lower gas and energy bills

Why a ballot measure is filling your mailbox with ads