Scott Chipman addresses hundreds of citizens while pointing to distant balloons (in shaded circle and tethered to a 240-foot line) to demonstrate how high the proposed Turquoise Tower would be if built.
Welcome!
Thank you for joining the effort to stop the proposed 23-story Turquoise Tower in Pacific Beach and to restore responsible planning that includes input from local government and citizens. We've got a lot to cover in our first email newsletter, so let's get to it.
But before we do, a word to all who jammed the sidewalks of Turquoise Street on November 23rd in protest.
"Thank you to all the supporters who came out and who are now passing this relevant information onto their friends and neighbors in San Diego and statewide," said Scott Chipman, who organized the balloon launch.
Not only did you come out, but more than 100 of you joined our campaign at the rally (coverage below). Thank you. We're not sure what decisions are coming, but we are sure of one thing: We cannot succeed without your support.
So here is one more way you can help: Please forward this email to 5 or 10 of your friends across San Diego and California. Ask them to join us by filling out the form at:
Above, drone coverage by CBS 8 of the November 23 protest. Links are below to videos.
Below, the ground level view as photographed by resident William Pangelinan.
High-rise coverage
from the view
of a drone, media
November 23, 2024 - Protestors gathered at the site of the proposed 23-story high-rise on Turquoise Street to watch balloons rise to the project's height of 238 feet, 4.5 inches. The balloons got swept to the side by the wind and, as impressive as the height they attained was, the balloons didn't make it all the way to 238 feet, 4.5 inches. But a drone did. It all but disappeared into the sky because of its height.
“A perfect agreement for us would mean that they would respect our 30-foot height limit and build their five units of affordable housing and respect what the neighbors have wanted," said Marcella Bothewell, chair of Neighbors for a Better California and the Pacific Beach Planning Group.
Let's let the media tell the rest of the story through its coverage:
CBS 8 story (link to video is immediately below this list)
CBS 8 coverage. Click here or on the video itself to view the report.
The faces of protest: Citizens spill onto Turquoise Street during Nov. 23 protest.
Citizen spotlight: Your views
City Planning Commission members, Mayor Gloria, and Council President Pro Tem LaCava: I'm writing to express my grave concern at the proposed project Pacific Beach. Like so many of my neighbors and fellow PB residents, we are alarmed. I live within walking distance of Turquoise St. This is my neighborhood, my home. Please advise what I can do so my voice is heard and this money-grabbing project can be halted before it's begun. - Lorraine Fisher
It's sort of a slap in the face to the voters who voted on a 30-foot height restriction for our government to come in and discard our vote and our voice. - Theresa Panish
We hear you:
Let's connect
In recent weeks, posts from Neighbors for a Better California have generated an astounding 100,000 views, according to Nextdoor. So many of you have asked how you can help, beyond signing up to join us. With this enewsletter and by your signing up, we can reach you directly. Contact us at info@neighborsforabettercalifornia.org. Tell us how you'd like to help and we'll try to match it with the plans we have. Just a few volunteer roles are detailed below. This is a tough fight and we need your help.
From social media to event planning - we need your help
Here are some ways you can help by joining our team of volunteers:
Create social media to reach young families needing housing
Create & help organize approved events
Build our database as we reach out to all of San Diego and California
That's just a few. We look forward to hearing from you and getting your ideas. Thanks.
Our parting thought
Just so we keep the focus on what the first battle in this struggle is all about, here is stunningly good artwork from lajolla.ca. You'll be seeing more of this photo in the coming weeks since we've received permission from lajolla.ca founder/editor-in-chief Max Lawrence to use it in our group's communications. It is beautiful, but alarming at the same time.
Imagine a whole row of these towers down the north side of Turquoise. Ugh.
To advocate for responsible zoning, legislation, and community planning that promotes sustainable growth and improves the quality of life for all Californians.
Our vision:
To collaborate with political leaders and stakeholders to create housing opportunities through policies that promote inclusive, balanced, and community-centered development.
Neighbors for a Better California | 9855 Black Mountain Road | San Diego, CA 92109 US
