California Dreaming Becomes Reality as San Diego Opens New Church of Scientology

Inauguration of Ideal Church hailed as moment for the American Dream in city Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard called home.

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San Diego’s new Church of Scientology opened Saturday, November 19 in the city’s downtown. Some 3,500 Scientologists and guests were on hand to witness the historic occasion. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

San Diego’s new Church of Scientology opened Saturday, November 19 in the city’s downtown. Some 3,500 Scientologists and guests were on hand to witness the historic occasion. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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The crowd erupted in cheers as Mr. Miscavige took the stage for the grand opening ceremony on Fourth Avenue in San Diego’s downtown corridor. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

The crowd erupted in cheers as Mr. Miscavige took the stage for the grand opening ceremony on Fourth Avenue in San Diego’s downtown corridor. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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On a sunbaked San Diego afternoon, 3,500 Scientologists and guests celebrated the inauguration of the city’s new Church of Scientology. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

On a sunbaked San Diego afternoon, 3,500 Scientologists and guests celebrated the inauguration of the city’s new Church of Scientology. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center, led the dedication of the Church of Scientology of San Diego, Saturday, November 19. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center, led the dedication of the Church of Scientology of San Diego, Saturday, November 19. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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Mr. David Miscavige, the ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, addressed the thousands present during the inauguration ceremony. The San Diego grand opening punctuates an explosive era of expansion for the Church and marks the 55th Ideal Church Organization to open its doors. Ideal Orgs now stand in cities all over the world—from Los Angeles to London, Melbourne to Milan and Tel Aviv to Tokyo. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Mr. David Miscavige, the ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, addressed the thousands present during the inauguration ceremony. The San Diego grand opening punctuates an explosive era of expansion for the Church and marks the 55th Ideal Church Organization to open its doors. Ideal Orgs now stand in cities all over the world—from Los Angeles to London, Melbourne to Milan and Tel Aviv to Tokyo. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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Joined by prominent Scientologists of San Diego, Mr. Miscavige officially dedicated San Diego’s Ideal Church of Scientology. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Joined by prominent Scientologists of San Diego, Mr. Miscavige officially dedicated San Diego’s Ideal Church of Scientology. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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Thousands of Scientologists and their guests congregated in the city’s downtown core to witness the festive ribbon cutting on Saturday, November 19. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Thousands of Scientologists and their guests congregated in the city’s downtown core to witness the festive ribbon cutting on Saturday, November 19. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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The Church of Scientology of San Diego was inaugurated November 19, 2016 before an audience buzzing with excitement in recognition of their milestone achievement. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

The Church of Scientology of San Diego was inaugurated November 19, 2016 before an audience buzzing with excitement in recognition of their milestone achievement. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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From the first strains of a mariachi band mixed with the uplifting tones of the Beach Boys’ “Surfin’ USA,” the scene was set for a spectacular grand opening celebration. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

From the first strains of a mariachi band mixed with the uplifting tones of the Beach Boys’ “Surfin’ USA,” the scene was set for a spectacular grand opening celebration. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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“If ever was a day when ‘California Dreaming’ assumed a whole new meaning it is now with the inauguration of this Ideal Church of Scientology,” said David Miscavige, the ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion. “And if ever was a place predestined for this moment, then it’s your San Diego. So as we dedicate this Ideal Org, we do so in the name of our Founder and in honor of this city where he once lived. And thus, we pledge our commitment to employ his technology for life – broadly, unsparingly and indiscriminately for this ‘Finest City in America!’” © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

“If ever was a day when ‘California Dreaming’ assumed a whole new meaning it is now with the inauguration of this Ideal Church of Scientology,” said David Miscavige, the ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion. “And if ever was a place predestined for this moment, then it’s your San Diego. So as we dedicate this Ideal Org, we do so in the name of our Founder and in honor of this city where he once lived. And thus, we pledge our commitment to employ his technology for life – broadly, unsparingly and indiscriminately for this ‘Finest City in America!’” I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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“This stretch of border is one of the heaviest drug trafficking areas in the nation and one of the most daunting. But enter Drug-Free World and the partnership that it equates to. Together with the Foundation we created a collaboration of teachers, public health officials and administrators to meet here in our border region. In the wake of that commitment, over 100,000 children have been granted the opportunity for a drug-free life.” —Mr. John Redman, Director of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program (HIDTA)–White House Office of Drug Control Policy © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

“This stretch of border is one of the heaviest drug trafficking areas in the nation and one of the most daunting. But enter Drug-Free World and the partnership that it equates to. Together with the Foundation we created a collaboration of teachers, public health officials and administrators to meet here in our border region. In the wake of that commitment, over 100,000 children have been granted the opportunity for a drug-free life.” —Mr. John Redman, Director of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program (HIDTA)–White House Office of Drug Control Policy I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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“You have to realize, without your materials our parents wouldn’t stand a chance. Because of The Way to Happiness I am a better parent, a better teacher, a better community leader and my job is that much easier. We just don’t have these kinds of programs. No one does. So yes, today is a day for the American Dream. And with these doors now open, let’s celebrate the possibility of fulfilling that dream for every child in San Diego.”
—Dr. Beatriz Villarreal, Education Advisor to the County of San Diego © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

“You have to realize, without your materials our parents wouldn’t stand a chance. Because of The Way to Happiness I am a better parent, a better teacher, a better community leader and my job is that much easier. We just don’t have these kinds of programs. No one does. So yes, today is a day for the American Dream. And with these doors now open, let’s celebrate the possibility of fulfilling that dream for every child in San Diego.”
—Dr. Beatriz Villarreal, Education Advisor to the County of San Diego I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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“Every day 22 Military Veterans end their lives. And many of those suicides are directly linked to psychotropic medications. So we need to expand the already worldwide foothold of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights—both at home and abroad. The more contact points we have raising awareness about psychiatric abuse, the better off our populations will be. With this Ideal Org you are placing a beachhead in San Diego. One that can and will bring help and support to our troops. And for that, I salute you.”—Col. Bart Billings Ret., National Guard Medical Directorate © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

“Every day 22 Military Veterans end their lives. And many of those suicides are directly linked to psychotropic medications. So we need to expand the already worldwide foothold of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights—both at home and abroad. The more contact points we have raising awareness about psychiatric abuse, the better off our populations will be. With this Ideal Org you are placing a beachhead in San Diego. One that can and will bring help and support to our troops. And for that, I salute you.”—Col. Bart Billings Ret., National Guard Medical Directorate I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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“In this world, with all the news headlines and chaos, we need all the help we can get. And I thank you for keeping human rights in the minds and souls of the people. Because only if we love, embrace and be respectful of one another, to not just ourselves but all mankind, can we have human rights everywhere. For me, the real heroes are people like you here today—the Church of Scientology.”—Ms. Estela De Los Rios, Member of the National Steering Committee for Human Trafficking © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

“In this world, with all the news headlines and chaos, we need all the help we can get. And I thank you for keeping human rights in the minds and souls of the people. Because only if we love, embrace and be respectful of one another, to not just ourselves but all mankind, can we have human rights everywhere. For me, the real heroes are people like you here today—the Church of Scientology.”—Ms. Estela De Los Rios, Member of the National Steering Committee for Human Trafficking I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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“By definition an Ideal Organization is a part of its community,” said David Miscavige, the ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, in his dedication address. “So this Church of Scientology stands for literacy in schools, for crime-free and drug-free streets, for prosperity in the workplace and human rights wherever else people walk.” © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

“By definition an Ideal Organization is a part of its community,” said David Miscavige, the ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, in his dedication address. “So this Church of Scientology stands for literacy in schools, for crime-free and drug-free streets, for prosperity in the workplace and human rights wherever else people walk.” I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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Mr. David Miscavige with (left to right): Dr. Beatriz Villarreal, Education Advisor to the County of San Diego; Mr. John Redman, Director of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program (HIDTA); Ms. Estela De Los Rios, member of the National Steering Committee for Human Trafficking; and Colonel Bart Billings Ret., National Guard Medical Directorate. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Mr. David Miscavige with (left to right): Dr. Beatriz Villarreal, Education Advisor to the County of San Diego; Mr. John Redman, Director of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program (HIDTA); Ms. Estela De Los Rios, member of the National Steering Committee for Human Trafficking; and Colonel Bart Billings Ret., National Guard Medical Directorate. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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Attendees toured the new facility, eager to see every detail of their new home. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Attendees toured the new facility, eager to see every detail of their new home. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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Once the ribbon was cut, thousands poured through the new San Diego Church taking in the facilities where they will advance through Scientology services. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Once the ribbon was cut, thousands poured through the new San Diego Church taking in the facilities where they will advance through Scientology services. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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© 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

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The new San Diego Church stands on the downtown corridor of Fourth Avenue, just blocks from City Hall. Located in the thriving urban core, the 49,000-square-foot facility welcomes all from San Diego and beyond. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

The new San Diego Church stands on the downtown corridor of Fourth Avenue, just blocks from City Hall. Located in the thriving urban core, the 49,000-square-foot facility welcomes all from San Diego and beyond. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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The San Diego Church of Scientology not only provides the facilities to service Scientologists in their ascent to higher states of spiritual freedom; it is also a meeting ground for cooperative efforts to serve people of all faiths. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

The San Diego Church of Scientology not only provides the facilities to service Scientologists in their ascent to higher states of spiritual freedom; it is also a meeting ground for cooperative efforts to serve people of all faiths. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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RECEPTION Open seven days a week, morning to night, the Church of Scientology of San Diego Reception welcomes anyone wishing to obtain an introduction to Dianetics and Scientology. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

RECEPTION Open seven days a week, morning to night, the Church of Scientology of San Diego Reception welcomes anyone wishing to obtain an introduction to Dianetics and Scientology. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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SCIENTOLOGY PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTER The Public Information Center offers some 500 films, providing a complete introduction to every aspect of Dianetics and Scientology. It includes the beliefs and practices of the religion as well as the many humanitarian initiatives and community outreach programs the Church supports. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

SCIENTOLOGY PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTER The Public Information Center offers some 500 films, providing a complete introduction to every aspect of Dianetics and Scientology. It includes the beliefs and practices of the religion as well as the many humanitarian initiatives and community outreach programs the Church supports. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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INTRODUCTORY SERVICES The Church of Scientology of San Diego provides for the delivery of all Introductory Services. These include evening and weekend Dianetics and Scientology seminars imparting an overview of the fundamental principles and their application for living. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

INTRODUCTORY SERVICES The Church of Scientology of San Diego provides for the delivery of all Introductory Services. These include evening and weekend Dianetics and Scientology seminars imparting an overview of the fundamental principles and their application for living. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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DIANETICS & SCIENTOLOGY BOOKSTORE The Church of Scientology of San Diego Bookstore makes available L. Ron Hubbard’s works on Dianetics and Scientology. In all, Mr. Hubbard’s legacy spans tens of millions of published words in dozens of books and thousands of recorded lectures. Materials are available in 50 languages. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

DIANETICS & SCIENTOLOGY BOOKSTORE The Church of Scientology of San Diego Bookstore makes available L. Ron Hubbard’s works on Dianetics and Scientology. In all, Mr. Hubbard’s legacy spans tens of millions of published words in dozens of books and thousands of recorded lectures. Materials are available in 50 languages. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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THE PURIFICATION CENTER Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard developed the Purification Program to free individuals from the mental and spiritual damage caused by drugs and toxins, through a regimen of exercise, sauna and nutrition—all of which are provided for in our Purification Center. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

THE PURIFICATION CENTER Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard developed the Purification Program to free individuals from the mental and spiritual damage caused by drugs and toxins, through a regimen of exercise, sauna and nutrition—all of which are provided for in our Purification Center. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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HUBBARD GUIDANCE CENTER The Hubbard Guidance Center is where Scientologists receive one-on-one spiritual counseling, known as auditing. Just beyond the waiting room are dozens of auditing rooms. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

HUBBARD GUIDANCE CENTER The Hubbard Guidance Center is where Scientologists receive one-on-one spiritual counseling, known as auditing. Just beyond the waiting room are dozens of auditing rooms. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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Scientology auditing (spiritual counseling) is delivered in an array of auditing rooms, providing the ideal, distraction-free environment in which to achieve spiritual enlightenment. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Scientology auditing (spiritual counseling) is delivered in an array of auditing rooms, providing the ideal, distraction-free environment in which to achieve spiritual enlightenment. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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THE ACADEMY The Academy is where Scientologists train to become auditors (spiritual counselors), capable of applying the technology of auditing to help others attain spiritual freedom. The San Diego Academy comprises multiple course rooms, each devoted to a different aspect of training. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

THE ACADEMY The Academy is where Scientologists train to become auditors (spiritual counselors), capable of applying the technology of auditing to help others attain spiritual freedom. The San Diego Academy comprises multiple course rooms, each devoted to a different aspect of training. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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The Café welcomes visitors touring the Church or attending the many scheduled events and for parishioners during breaks in their Scientology services. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

The Café welcomes visitors touring the Church or attending the many scheduled events and for parishioners during breaks in their Scientology services. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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The fourth-floor Terrace, with its expansive view of downtown San Diego, serves as a gathering place in the spirit of a Scientology Ideal Organization: a home to both Scientologists and the greater community alike. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

The fourth-floor Terrace, with its expansive view of downtown San Diego, serves as a gathering place in the spirit of a Scientology Ideal Organization: a home to both Scientologists and the greater community alike. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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THE CHAPEL Scientology services and ceremonies are convened in the Chapel, including Sunday Services open to members of all denominations. It further serves as an ideal venue for workshops, banquets and events in the name of community collaboration for the betterment of San Diego. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

THE CHAPEL Scientology services and ceremonies are convened in the Chapel, including Sunday Services open to members of all denominations. It further serves as an ideal venue for workshops, banquets and events in the name of community collaboration for the betterment of San Diego. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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THE OFFICE OF L. RON HUBBARD As is tradition, the Office of L. Ron Hubbard stands in honor of the religion’s Founder and symbolizes that this Ideal Organization is true to his writings and ideals. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

THE OFFICE OF L. RON HUBBARD As is tradition, the Office of L. Ron Hubbard stands in honor of the religion’s Founder and symbolizes that this Ideal Organization is true to his writings and ideals. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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The Church of Scientology of San Diego—a stunning new Scientology Ideal Organization to serve “America’s Finest City.” © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

The Church of Scientology of San Diego—a stunning new Scientology Ideal Organization to serve “America’s Finest City.” I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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Follow the Pacific Coast Highway down Southern California’s meandering shoreline along a 70-mile stretch of sandy beaches basking in the most perfect weather—anywhere—and you’ll arrive to the city of San Diego. Such was the location for a sunbaked Saturday afternoon amid San Diego’s downtown skyline—a sublime setting to celebrate the city’s new Church of Scientology.

“If ever was a day when ‘California Dreaming’ assumed a whole new meaning it is now with the inauguration of this Ideal Church of Scientology,” said David Miscavige, the ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion. “And if ever was a place predestined for this moment, then it’s your San Diego. So as we dedicate this Ideal Org, we do so in the name of our Founder and in honor of this city where he once lived. And thus, we pledge our commitment to employ his technology for life—broadly, unsparingly and indiscriminately for this ‘Finest City in America!’”

The San Diego grand opening punctuates an explosive era of expansion for the Church and marks the 55th Ideal Church Organization (Ideal Org) to open its doors. Ideal Orgs now stand in cities all over the world—from Los Angeles to London, Melbourne to Milan and Tel Aviv to Tokyo. “Ideal” is the standard set by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard so that every Church could be a perfect expression of the religion’s principles and practices.

So it was on Saturday, November 19, some 3,500 Scientologists and their guests were on hand to witness San Diego’s historic grand opening. And from the first strains of a mariachi band mixed with the uplifting tones of the Beach Boys’ “Surfin’ USA,” to dignitaries representing every political and social spectrum of San Diego City and County—the inauguration positively embodied the city’s rich culture.

The ceremony also paid tribute to the exceptional place San Diego holds in the life of L. Ron Hubbard (LRH). For it is a city where he not only lived during his youth, but later launched a legendary writing career spanning half a century and placing him among the most enduring and widely read authors of all time.

“Even after forty years LRH would fondly recall this ‘never-never land,’ where he spun his first tales for the pulps, in a cottage on the bluff,” said David Miscavige. “This was also his first point of departure for Asia—boarding a naval transport with a well-worn suit, a thin topcoat and two pennies. While in the wake of Waikiki, he tells of importing a board from Honolulu, and so became the first to catch a wave at Encinitas. So, yes, this is the crossroads of your history with LRH—and your future with his legacy.”

The new San Diego Church stands on the downtown corridor of Fourth Avenue, just blocks from City Hall. Located in the thriving urban core, the 49,000-square-foot facility welcomes all from San Diego and beyond.

“By definition an Ideal Organization is a part of its community,” continued Mr. Miscavige. “So this Church of Scientology stands for literacy in schools, for crime-free and drug-free streets, for prosperity in the workplace and human rights wherever else people walk.”

Presenting a sense of just what that humanitarian commitment contains were San Diego dignitaries on hand to welcome the Church: Mr. John Redman, Director of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program (HIDTA); Dr. Beatriz Villarreal, Education Advisor to the County of San Diego; Ms. Estela De Los Rios, member of the National Steering Committee for Human Trafficking; and Col. Bart Billings Ret., National Guard Medical Directorate.

Mr. Redman spoke of the region’s drug crisis and how the Scientology-supported Foundation for a Drug-Free World is working to counter it: “This stretch of border is one of the heaviest drug trafficking areas in the nation and one of the most daunting. But enter Drug-Free World and the partnership that it equates to. Together with the Foundation we created a collaboration of teachers, public health officials and administrators to meet here in our border region. In the wake of that commitment, over 100,000 children have been granted the opportunity for a drug-free life.”

Col. Billings observed that “Every day 22 military veterans end their lives. And many of those suicides are directly linked to psychotropic medications. So we need to expand the already worldwide foothold of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights—both at home and abroad. The more contact points we have raising awareness about psychiatric abuse, the better off our populations will be. With this Ideal Org you are placing a beachhead in San Diego. One that can and will bring help and support to our troops. And for that, I salute you.”

The importance of the Church’s involvement in the field of human rights was reflected in the remarks by Ms. De Los Rios: “In this world, with all the news headlines and chaos, we need all the help we can get. And I thank you for keeping human rights in the minds and souls of the people. Because only if we love, embrace and be respectful of one another, to not just ourselves but all mankind, can we have human rights everywhere. For me, the real heroes are people like you here today—the Church of Scientology.”

“You have to realize, without your materials our parents wouldn’t stand a chance,” said Dr. Villarreal. “Because of The Way to Happiness I am a better parent, a better teacher, a better community leader and my job is that much easier. We just don’t have these kinds of programs. No one does. So yes, today is a day for the American Dream. And with these doors now open, let’s celebrate the possibility of fulfilling that dream for every child in San Diego.”

The new San Diego Church provides visitors with an introduction to Dianetics and Scientology, beginning with the Public Information Center. Its displays, containing more than 500 films, present the beliefs and practices of the Scientology religion and the life and legacy of Founder L. Ron Hubbard.

The Information Center also offers a detailed overview of the many Scientology-supported humanitarian programs. These include a worldwide human rights education initiative; a far-reaching drug education, prevention and rehabilitation program; a global network of literacy and learning centers; and the Scientology Volunteer Minister program, now representing the world’s largest independent relief force.

San Diego’s Ideal Organization also features a Chapel that provides for Scientology congregational gatherings, including Sunday Services, weddings and naming ceremonies, as well as a host of community-wide events open to members of all denominations. The facility further includes multiple seminar rooms and classrooms, in addition to an entire floor dedicated to Scientology auditing (spiritual counseling).

The San Diego opening caps a year of expansion for the Church. Recent Church openings have occurred in Sydney, Australia; Harlem, New York; Budapest, Hungary; Atlanta, Georgia; Milan, Italy; Tokyo, Japan; Bogotá, Colombia; and Basel, Switzerland. Also, this summer the Church opened Scientology Media Productions, a five-acre, technologically cutting-edge studio in Hollywood, California, in which the religion’s message will be proclaimed via television and radio broadcasting, Internet and social media and every other media platform.

And more is on the way, with openings of Ideal Organizations in 2017 planned for global cities and cultural capitals in North America, South America, Europe, Africa and Australasia.