San Diego County’s plans for its Fourth of July celebration have sparked controversy after an internal event schedule was leaked online, revealing a lineup focused primarily on cultural storytelling rather than traditional patriotic themes.

According to the itinerary, the festivities on July 4 will begin at approximately 5 p.m. with a ceremony honoring Native American communities, including a land acknowledgment and a tribal blessing. The event will then feature several hours dedicated to sharing stories from Latino, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, and Black and African communities.

El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells criticized the approach, describing it as a departure from what he views as appropriate for the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration. “I don’t think you should take an American celebration of the 250th anniversary of America and turn it into a DEI festival,” Wells said. He called the focus an “insult” to veterans, noting his son’s service in Afghanistan, and described the program as provocative.

Public reaction has been mixed, with some commenters expressing dissatisfaction about the event’s emphasis. One social media user questioned the appeal of attending what they characterized as multiple hours of lectures, urging San Diego to reconsider its plans.

The county has yet to publicly respond to requests for comment on the decision to structure the event around diverse community presentations rather than traditional Fourth of July celebrations centered on American history and patriotism. The fireworks display, a longstanding highlight of the holiday, remains scheduled for the evening.