PUBLISHER’S NOTE: LGBTQ San Diego County News is retracting the article titled “Analysis: The Shooting ‘Incident,’” published on June 12, 2024.
As the publisher of this newspaper, and one of the individuals injured in the drive-by gel-pellet-gun attacks targeting Hillcrest and North Park LGBTQ-friendly venues, I acknowledge that the original article failed to fully capture the severity of the attacks, the personal impact on victims, and the broader effects on our community and this business.
On the early morning of Saturday, May 18, 2024, several LGBTQ-friendly establishments—including Rich’s, PECS, Number One Fifth Avenue, and The Rail—were targeted in a drive-by gel-pellet-gun attack. I was struck in the eye and required medical treatment. Videos released by Rich’s showed the attacks and reached thousands of viewers. Eyewitness accounts confirm that multiple bars were targeted. A dark sedan was seen driving the route of the attacks.
At the time of publication, I was still deeply traumatized, physically injured, and struggling with severe PTSD. I was unable to review, edit, or approve the piece. For months, I have avoided reading any news articles on the attacks because doing so triggered flashbacks, panic, and destabilization. That decision was the result of trauma — not neglect — but the outcome was the same: an article that minimized what happened.
This dismissiveness — both in the original language and in how some readers interpreted it — caused additional harm. Many readers reached out with confusion and concern, including some who believed the attack was harmless or humorous. Yet the injuries were real, and the trauma is lifelong. Daily life remains a challenge for those affected.
Retracting an article is always a last resort. Before taking that step, I consulted with reporters and editors from other publications for an unbiased review. All agreed that the piece failed to accurately capture the severity and seriousness of the attacks, reinforcing the need for this full retraction.
The attack caused PTSD, depersonalization/derealization disorder, and ongoing psychological trauma, and/or physical injuries for at least four people, including myself. It forced me to pause publication of the newspaper for my mental health and disrupted both business operations and my community support work.
Since the initial publication:
- Law enforcement has investigated a series of pellet-gun attacks in Hillcrest and North Park; however, the individuals arrested are not linked to my personal attack.
- Law enforcement stated that the attack occurred just days after Rich’s security contractors were approached by an unknown suspect who pulled out a hand gun and fired several rounds towards security personnel. No one was injured in that shooting and the suspect is still at large.
- Multiple victims, including myself, suffered serious physical and psychological harm.
- At least four additional attacks targeted LGBTQ individuals and organizations:
- One attack specifically targeted a trans organization.
- At least three attacks occurred over Labor Day weekend, further demonstrating a pattern of targeted harassment and violence.
- The community stepped forward in support. My GoFundMe fundraiser, “Eddie’s PTSD Fight Is Our Fight,” raised $42,921 from 137 donors to help cover treatment, housing, and recovery.
These attacks were not a prank, not harmless, and not small. They were acts of targeted violence against LGBTQ people.
The moment a gun is aimed, discharged, and its projectile strikes a person, that individual becomes the victim of a shooting. The projectile’s material is irrelevant and does not lessen the violence, the intent, or the trauma. Their survival, recovery, and healing requires the ongoing care, intervention, and support of others.
Experiencing or witnessing harassment, violence, or hate can be frightening and isolating. You are not alone, and support is available. We encourage you to report incidents to local authorities, and to reach out to trained professionals and organizations who can provide care, counseling, and guidance. The contacts and resources listed below my signature are available to help ensure your safety, offer emotional support, and connect you with additional resources.
I deeply regret any distress, confusion, or harm caused by the original coverage. LGBTQ San Diego County News remains committed to accurate, trauma-informed, and community-centered reporting, ensuring our stories honor the experiences of those harmed and continue to advocate for LGBTQ safety and accountability.
I apologize unreservedly to those affected and to every reader who trusts this newspaper. I look forward to resuming publication upon my medical clearance, and continuing to serve our community with accurate, trauma-informed reporting.
— Eddie Reynoso, Publisher, LGBTQ San Diego County News
Retraction: 11/05/2025 – ER – 6:44:36 PM
Community Resources
HATE CRIME SUPPORT SERVICES & REPORTING
- San Diego LGBT Community Center – Stop the Hate Program
[email protected] | (619) 692‑2077 | thecentersd.org
Provides education, advocacy, and support to prevent and respond to hate crimes and incidents targeting LGBTQ individuals. - North County LGBTQ Resource Center – Stop the Hate Program
ncresourcecenter.org/stop-the-hate | (760) 994‑1690 | [email protected]
Supports LGBTQI+ victims and survivors of hate incidents and crimes with direct services, advocacy, case‑management, and referrals to affirming legal, mental‑health and mediation resources. - Jewish Family Service of San Diego – JCERT (Jewish Community Emergency Response Team)
(858) 637‑3210 | jfssd.org
Rapid response and trauma‑informed support for Jewish individuals and communities impacted by antisemitic incidents. - San Diego Asian & Pacific Islander (API) Coalition – Stop AAPI Hate Program
stopaapihate.org | Services and support for AAPI individuals experiencing hate incidents, including reporting tools, advocacy, and community healing. - CSA San Diego County – Advocacy Against Discrimination & Hate Crimes
c4sa.org | Non‑profit promoting social justice and providing resources for victims of discrimination, including outreach and education on hate crime prevention.
LGBTQ COMMUNITY CENTERS/ RESOURCE REFERRALS
- San Diego LGBT Community Center
http://www.thecentersd.org/
3909 Centre St, San Diego, CA 92103 (Hillcrest) | Phone: (619) 692-2077
Open daily. Offers crisis counseling, individual & couple counseling, peer support groups, social & educational events, HIV testing, and substance abuse referrals. - North County LGBTQ Resource Center
http://www.ncresourcecenter.org/
510 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92058 | Phone: (760) 994-1690
Serves the North County LGBTQ community with a drop-in center, meeting space, and advocacy for positive change.
TRANSGENDER SERVICES
- TransFamily Support Services
https://transfamilysos.org/
Provides insurance navigation, support groups, mentorship, trainings, and services for transgender individuals and families. - Transgender Health Services – Hillcrest Family Health Center
http://www.fhcsd.org/transgender-health-services/
4094 4th Ave, San Diego, 92103 | Phone: (619) 515-2300
Advocacy and support for trans-identified, gender non-conforming, and genderqueer patients. - Project TRANS at The Center
http://www.thecentersd.org/programs/transgender-services/
Services specifically designed for the transgender community to foster pride, equality, and respect.
ADDICTION, RECOVERY, AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
- Stepping Stone
http://www.steppingstonesd.org/
Inpatient Residential Program 3767 Central Ave, San Diego, 92105 | Phone: 619-278-0777 - Stepping Out http://www.steppingstonesd.org/ (Stepping Stone Intensive Outpatient Program): 3928 Illinois St, San Diego, 92104 | Phone: 619-763-1140
Offers trauma informed mental health, and recovery services for alcohol and drug addiction, primarily serving the LGBTQ community.
SEXUAL VIOLENCE / RELATIONSHIP VIOLENCE SUPPORT & SERVICES
- Center for Community Solutions (San Diego)
https://www.ccssd.org/
4508 Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109-4919 | Phone: 1-888-385-4657
Counseling, advocacy, prevention education, and community outreach for survivors of sexual and relationship violence. - RAINN (National Sexual Assault Hotline)
https://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotline
Phone: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
LGBTQ-inclusive affiliated centers; provides crisis intervention and support.
SUICIDE PREVENTION / CRISIS HOTLINES
- The Trevor Project (LGBTQ Youth)
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help-now/
Phone: 1-866-488-7386 | Text: START to 678-678
Crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth. - Trans Lifeline
https://translifeline.org/
Phone: 877-565-8860
Peer-led hotline staffed by trans volunteers; connects trans individuals to community and resources. - BlackLine
https://www.callblackline.com/
Phone/Text: 1-800-604-5841
Peer support for BIPOC LGBTQ individuals, affirming experiences of systemic oppression. - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Call: 1-800-273-8255 | Online chat: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/ - It’s Up to Us San Diego
https://up2sd.org/
Crisis line: 888-724-7240
Resource hub for suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and local support.
Notes:
- Except for Trans Lifeline, these hotlines may engage in active rescue (contacting authorities if emergency is detected).
- Youth callers should inquire about mandated reporting rules before disclosing abuse or violence.
LOCAL LGBTQ POLICE LIAISONS
- CARLSBAD POLICE DEPT (PD) | Sergeant Natali Fant, [email protected], 760-473-8722
- CHULA VISTA PD | Agent Natalie Garnsey
- CITY of CORONADO PD | TBD – main line 619-522-7350
- EL CAJON PD | Lt. Joseph Crawford, [email protected], 619-579-3319
- ESCONDIDO PD | Officer Tyler Hubka, [email protected], 760-839-4722
- FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION – SD | Special Agent Brett Kalina, [email protected], 858-583-3854
- LA MESA PD | Lt. Katy Lynch, [email protected], 619-667-7566
- NATIONAL CITY PD | Stephanie Mendiola, [email protected], 619-336-4515
- OCEANSIDE PD | SGT Anthony Flores, [email protected], 760-435-4881
- SAN DIEGO PD | Officer Lisa Hartman, [email protected], 619-288-1512
- SAN DIEGO SHERIFF’S DEPT | SGT Michael Gonzales, [email protected], 858-790-1367
Reporting incidents helps document patterns of harassment, hold perpetrators accountable, and strengthen community safety.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and hope you will also consider supporting our independent news organization. LGBTQ San Diego County News is one of California’s last LGBTQ print newspapers. But we are in danger of going out of print. During times of crisis, celebration, and mourning, crucial information about our community comes from local reporters and writers. LGBTQ San Diego County News needs your help and support in order to continue printing.
Please consider supporting LGBTQ+ San Diego County News. We are one of just five California based LGBTQ+ newspapers that are still in print. Donate. Subscribe. And if you have a business that’s able to, advertise with us. Your support is critical to sustaining the dedicated journalists serving our communities.
Our local LGBTQ+ newspaper helps keep us safer. We keep an eye on city hall, on corruption, and shady business practices. Together we can ensure our local news is covered for years to come.
-Eddie Reynoso, Publisher
