Yesterday, the San Diego City Council signed off on a resolution backing the city’s Somali community and condemning racist rhetoric, harassment, and the filming and stalking of Somali Americans, including at-home child-care providers. The move follows weeks of viral videos and unannounced visits that providers and advocates say left families rattled and small businesses feeling under siege.
Councilmember Sean Elo‑Rivera shared photos from the meeting and cast the vote as a direct response to targeted harassment and intimidation of Somali residents in his district. Per a post on Facebook, the resolution was brought forward by his office and recorded on the council floor.
What the resolution says
The measure appeared as Item S400 on the council agenda and, according to the City of San Diego, expresses support for the Somali community while condemning recent racist rhetoric and harassment directed at Somali Americans. The city’s meeting notice says the resolution responds to public statements and the targeting of Somali immigrants, including the harassment, filming, and stalking of Somali child-care providers, and reaffirms San Diego’s stated commitment to inclusion and safety. The City of San Diego described the item as a formal show of support from Council District 9.
Providers say they were targeted
Local child-care providers told reporters they had been stalked, filmed, and sent threatening messages that disrupted their businesses and left parents on edge. Safiyo Jama, a City Heights provider, told The Nation she personally experienced harassment, intimidation, and misinformation that affected her family, the children in her care, and her small business.
Labor and advocacy groups have pressed officials to intervene. In a press release, the United Domestic Workers union described the visits as “stalking and intimidating our members” and called for protections for providers and their families. UDW has been organizing legal and safety guidance for affected members.
Balboa Park milestone and community response
The resolution comes at a moment of heightened civic visibility for Somali San Diegans. Earlier this year, the House of Somalia was accepted as the first African country house among Balboa Park’s House of Pacific Relations cottages, a step community leaders called historic. KPBS covered the opening and the community celebration it sparked.
What's next
Post-vote materials and Councilmember Elo‑Rivera’s statement say the city will work with child-care providers and community groups on steps to improve safety and deter future harassment. Elo‑Rivera’s Facebook post also quoted local leaders praising the move; one community organizer said the resolution sends a powerful message that Somali families and children belong in San Diego and that hate has no place in the city. According to the city notice and council materials, the vote is intended as both a symbolic rebuke and a first step toward coordinated local support. The City of San Diego noted that the item aligns with the city's prior commitments to inclusion.
For providers and families seeking help or looking to report incidents, community groups, including Somali Family Service, maintain local resources and contact information. Somali Family Service and union organizers said they will continue tracking reports and coordinating with city offices and law enforcement as needed.
