When Shawn Khalifa steps onto the graduation stage at the University of San Diego this weekend, he'll be continuing a path he never thought possible a few years ago.

The big picture: Khalifa went to prison at age 15 after being convicted under a since-changed California felony murder law, and he was released in 2020 at age 31.

• He has since earned a bachelor's degree, gotten married and had two kids and is now set to earn his master's in restorative justice.

Catch up quick: The felony murder law in question allowed someone to be charged with murder if they participated in a dangerous felony, even if they weren't the killer.

• Khalifa was accused of being the lookout in a home invasion robbery in 2004 that ended with his friends killing the homeowner.
• He was charged with the murder and sentenced to 25 years to life, spent three years in juvenile hall, and then was transferred to prison.

Yes, but: The law was changed in 2018 so that people can't be convicted of murder unless they are the actual killer, helped the killer, or "acted with reckless indifference to human life."

After the new law passed, Khalifa was able to apply for resentencing for just the robbery charge, which reduced his sentence to time served.

• He was released in February 2020 and has since taken every possible advantage of his freedom.
• He met his now-wife at the pool in his mom's mobile home park in July 2021 and got married six months later.
• They now have two kids in preschool, with the oldest starting transitional kindergarten in the fall.

State of play: Khalifa started studying sociology while in prison at Donovan and earned his bachelor's from UC Irvine in 2022.

• He went on to USD's restorative justice program, earning his master's while working full time at the Underground Scholars program at UCSD.

Khalifa's success since leaving prison shows the law change had the desired outcome, he tells Axios.

• "Whenever I meet with a chancellor, a dean, they see the example of supporting formerly incarcerated students at universities as a good thing, they see a positive outcome," he adds. "But for me, I'm just showing up to work, doing something I love, interacting with my community."

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San Diego voters in District 2 (that's Clairemont, Point Loma, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach and the Midway District) have a real race on their hands.

The big picture: The top two vote-getters on June 2 will advance to the November election, and we grilled the candidates on the police budget.

• Former Coronado Mayor Richard Bailey did not respond to our questions.

Q: What's your stance on the SDPD budget relative to other city services?

Trial attorney Paul Suppa would:

• ❌ Rescind the proposed FY2027 SDPD budget increase.
• 📚 Redirect those funds to reopen libraries and restore arts, cultural and community programs.

Community activist Mandy Havlik would:

• 🔍 Take a hard look at police overtime, especially for special events, and demand accountability.

Deputy city attorney Nicole Crosby would:

• 🧾 Audit the full city budget immediately upon taking office.
• 👮 Prioritize police response times over parking enforcement, which disproportionately burdens low-income residents.

Former chief of staff at Downtown San Diego Partnership Josh Coyne would:

• 👮 Prioritize SDPD recruitment and retention to improve response times and neighborhood policing.
• 🌳 Continue investing in parks, libraries, homelessness outreach, and youth programs alongside public safety.

What they said about city spending

💸 Cutting trash fees will slash $10 million from the city's budget and ending Balboa Park parking fees will save another $2.2 million under a settlement announced Wednesday.

• City leaders said they agreed to the settlement to avoid litigation or potential repeal of the policies on a future ballot. (Times of San Diego)

❤️ The San Diego Islamic Center reopened on Wednesday after Monday's shooting.

• Worshippers streamed into the mosque in the evening for a sundown prayer, but with extra security guards and police officers. (Union-Tribune)

⚰️ A funeral for the three victims was held yesterday at the SDSU Mission Valley River Park, followed by a burial in National City. Hundreds also attended vigils around the county. (FOX 5)

🎨 A giant woodland goddess has taken over The New Children's Museum.

• "Woodswoman Earthseed," a sprawling installation from artist Saya Woolfalk, blends sci-fi, folklore and environmental themes. It opens June 6. (There San Diego)

It's Memorial Day weekend, and if you don't want to spend every day at the beach, here's what's happening around San Diego.

🐅 Explore the zoo at night, with live music, acrobats, dancers, and other entertainment.

• This is the final summer for this nighttime experience, which runs Friday through Aug. 9.

🎶 Catch the Kesha concert at the amphitheatre in Chula Vista on Saturday.

⚾ Watch the Padres take on the Athletics at Petco Park in a Star Wars-themed weekend with a KidsFest and fireworks show. Sadly, the Jackson Merrill Jedi bobbleheads are sold out.

• Some paws-itive news: You'll be sitting with pups at the park duiring Monday's game against the Phillies.

🍓Take your family to the Vista Strawberry Festival on Sunday.

More music, festivals and a new farmers market

It's time once again for an adorable dog. Because who couldn't use an adorable dog right now.

Name: Flash

Breed: Labrador Retriever Blend

Age: 6 months

Favorite things to do: Toys. "Flash loves his toys and he loves chasing them in the field," Austin Hale with Helen Woodward Animal Center told Axios.

Why he's special: "While he was a bit of a menace in his youth, Flash has grown up to be the perfect dog, to quote our animal care team," Hale said. "He's affectionate, incredibly intelligent, and would make for a wonderful furry friend."

Go here for information on how to adopt Flash or other pets.

📸 Got a pet that deserves the spotlight? Hit reply and send us their name, some cute pics and what they most like and dislike. They might just become our next featured star!