A city in Southern California is facing scrutiny after plans for an unconventional Independence Day celebration were shared online.
According to a statement from San Diego County, the details were posted by El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells.
The event is set to start just after 5 p.m. with a small tribal blessing, which will honor the narratives of Native Americans and local tribal communities, alongside a welcome and land acknowledgment.
Following this initial segment, the schedule includes several hours dedicated to storytelling from the Latinx community, as well as narratives from Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Black, and African communities.
Additionally, about 30 minutes are allotted for stories from the LGBTQIA+ community.
The itinerary indicates the event will also include performances of both the National Anthem and the Black National Anthem before fireworks are scheduled to light up the sky around 9 p.m.
Wells confirmed the authenticity of the schedule, noting it was backed by minutes from a February 10, 2026, meeting of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. In his post, he mentioned that the community initiative for the 250th anniversary celebration was shifted to align with the county’s “equity, inclusion, and racial justice goals.” He expressed dissatisfaction with how the celebration was being framed.
“I don’t think America’s 250th anniversary celebration should just become a DEI festival,” Wells remarked. “It’s an insult. An insult to my son, who served in Afghanistan. It feels dismissive.” He also mentioned plans for a significant fireworks display in El Cajon.
Reactions have been mixed regarding the county’s approach to Independence Day celebrations.
“Three and a half hours focused on how different we are seems to go against what the Founding Fathers stood for. What has happened to us?” one commenter expressed.
Another added, “Who wants to sit through this for three and a half hours? San Diego should aim for better.”
One more comment read, “Is this really going to be more political nonsense instead of a fun fireworks show for families? It’s frustrating!”
The California Post has reached out to San Diego County for additional comments.
