Council District 9 News
October 24, 2024
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Hello Lydia,
I believe that everyone, regardless of background or community, deserves to live in safety, health, and happiness, with the opportunity to reach their potential. We call this “Opportunity for All.”
San Diego’s cost of living crisis is making it harder for people to access opportunities, especially housing, and is undermining their sense of security about their future in the city they love. That’s why addressing the high cost of living, particularly housing, is a top priority for our office. While we can’t fix the entire economy, we can and should take action to reduce costs wherever possible.
Earlier this month, in partnership with AARP, Serving Seniors San Diego, and Councilmember Marni von Wilpert, we announced a grocery price transparency law. The idea is simple: finding the best price shouldn’t be a complicated game, especially for vulnerable groups like seniors.
This effort complements our previous work, slowing down rent increases and preventing unfair evictions. We’ve also funded Youth Opportunity Passes, allowing young people to ride transit for free, helping families save on transportation costs.
And, of course, we continue to stand in lockstep with workers who are fighting to earn enough to live in the city where they work.
There’s more to do, and I remain committed to finding new ways to lower the cost of living so that San Diego can be place where everyone in our community can see a future for themselves.
With gratitude,
Sean
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Council District 9 Updates | |
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Rolando Storm Channel Maintenance
Last week, the Stormwater Department’s maintenance team started working on dredging the Rolando 2 Channel, located between Aragon Drive and Rolando Boulevard. Recent inspections identified this stretch for maintenance. The work will address the regrowth of mostly invasive species since emergency work was performed earlier this year.
Maintenance is intended to improve the channel's water capacity and reduce flooding risk to adjacent homes and infrastructure. It also eliminates issues with overgrown vegetation and standing water. Removing trash and debris within the channel will also provide meaningful water quality benefits and reduce the risk of blockages at downstream infrastructure. The maintenance work is slated to be completed in late October or early November.
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Traffic Calming at
Franklin Elementary
Earlier this month, a group of neighbors gathered to celebrate the installation of a stop sign near Franklin Elementary. This was a community-led effort, and our office was glad to assist in and advocate for it. Traffic safety is one of our office’s top priorities, especially when it comes to the safety of those coming and going to school.
We’d like to give special thanks and recognition to the tireless advocacy of Franklin Elementary Principal Tamara Muhammad and the parents, who committed hours of work and effort to make this traffic safety measure a reality. This Stop sign is a signal of what can be achieved when communities come together and advocate for their needs.
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More Traffic Calming Ahead
Our office worked with the Transportation Department to get a range of traffic calming measures approved. We’re glad to announce some of these measures are coming to the intersections of 43rd Street/Fairmount Avenue & Meade Avenue.
These two improvements have already been installed and benefiting the community.
- Activated crosswalk sign at the intersection to give pedestrians a head start crossing the street before traffic gets a green light
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Adjusted traffic signals to provide more time between southbound traffic on Fairmount Ave. and east and westbound users on Meade Ave.
Meanwhile, these improvements are still in the works and are projected to be complete in the first few weeks of the new year.
- Upgraded “SIGNAL AHEAD” sign on the overhead flashing beacon facing southbound traffic on Fairmount Ave.
- Clear vegetation blocking the speed limit signs facing southbound traffic on Fairmount Ave.
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Kensington Fire Safety Council Semi-Annual Dumpathon
While summer and warmer days are coming to an end, the risk of fire, particularly wildfire in the district’s canyons is still present. The Kensington Fire Safety Council organizes events to abate wildfires and promote fire safety in our communities.
Earlier this month, the Kensington Fire Safety Council hosted its semi-annual Dumpathon. This year, neighbors cleared our canyons and removed brush to create defensible space near and around their homes. As a result, they hauled away 19 dumpsters full of potential wildfire fuel.
It’s always a good time to look around your home to make sure you have cleared defensible space and removed debris that might be flammable. It’s also important to prepare a bag of important documents and valuables in case you need to evacuate.
For more information on wildfire preparedness visit: sdd9.info/wildfire
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Swan Canyon Mural Completed
Exciting news! We are happy to report that earlier this week the Swan Canyon community mural was completed.Thank you to local artist Shayne Osequera for your amazing work, Parks & Recreation and San Diego Canyonlands for the coordination, and everyone who lended a hand in painting District 9’s newest mural.
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District 9 Business Highlights | | |
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College Area Business Tour
Earlier this month, our office visited three College Area businesses—Kids Ave Enrichment Learning Center, Ben & Esther’s Vegan Deli, and TranscenDANCE—to recognize them for their remarkable impact on the community. Our team met the people behind these empowering businesses to learn about their stories and hear their concerns.
Starting off our tour with Kids Ave, which provides exceptional childcare and facilities for the College and El Cerrito communities. Serving up high-quality quality vegan foods, Ben & Esther’s proudly serving classic Jewish items. As well as TranscenDANCE fostering an inclusive space for San Diego youth to express themselves through the art of dance. These businesses have it all!
Our office was honored to recognize these businesses and their remarkable commitment to the College Area. If there is a business in your community that you would like us to recognize, please reach out and let us know.
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Supporting Businesses Along University Avenue
Construction along Eastbound University Ave from Fairmount Ave to Chamoune Ave is impacting our local businesses, but they’re still open and ready to serve! From delicious foods and seasonal coffees to auto and bike repairs, fruit bars, desserts, and more—these businesses are the heart of our community. Parking may be blocked, but that will not stop us from rallying behind our neighbors!
You can bike, walk or park on surrounding streets to access your favorite business.
Checkout what businesses YOU can support HERE!
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Celebrating Ponce's 55 Years!
This past Sunday, we were honored to celebrate Ponce’s 55th Anniversary by presenting a special District 9 proclamation to owners Rocio Meza and Ponce Meza Jr. For 55 years, Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant has served not just as a place to enjoy exceptional food but as a true family restaurant in every sense of the word. A place where generations have gathered to celebrate milestones, create memories, and build community.
Thank you to the entire Ponce’s family for all you do for our community!
Stop by a Ponce's location today and celebrate with them! For more information, visit poncesrestaurant.com
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Torque Coffee Grand Opening
Welcome to Torque Coffee Shop and Roastery! They hosted their official grand opening this past Sunday. Located in our Corridor neighborhood, the goal of Torque is reaching for coffee perfection which "we can’t ever attain but we will never stop striving for." They spent the last six weeks during their soft opening perfecting their coffee, food, and processes. Now they are ready to open their doors!
Torque is open during the week, Tuesday through Friday 7am - 2pm and all weekend Saturday and Sunday 8am - 4pm. They've added a FUNDAY BRUNCH on Saturday and Sunday 8-12 so be sure to stop by and check them out!
Address: 3459 El Cajon Boulevard
Website: torque.coffee
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Community Events & Updates | |
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City Heights
Monthly Cleanups
In partnership with our office, City Heights CDC, City Heights Business Improvement District and the City Heights Maintenance Assessment District, we invite you to join our monthly (3rd Wednesday of each month) clean-ups along University Avenue.
Our collaborative efforts help beautify and maintain our neighborhood. Come out and join local folks who are also invested in our community!
To RSVP for a future cleanup, visit sdd9.info/rsvp
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New Tourism Accelerator
The San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) is thrilled to announce the return of its award-winning DEI program − Tourism Accelerator. Aimed at elevating local businesses owned by people of color, LGBTQ+, women, veterans, and people with disabilities, this high-impact program champions inclusion and equity in the tourism economy. The program offers a suite of services and benefits valued at over $15,000, including free SDTA membership for one year, mentoring, education, alumni, and networking opportunities.
Check out the full benefits and eligibility guidelines here and apply today!
The deadline to apply is November 8, 2024.
APPLY NOW!
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Save the Date! Turkey Giveaway & Health Fair
The Office of Assemblymember Akilah Weber, M.D., in partnership with the San Diego Food Bank and the City of San Diego, is hosting a Turkey Giveaway & Health Fair on Saturday, November 2rd from 10am - 1pm. The event will take place at the Cherokee Point Elementary Joint Use Field (3735 38th Street, San Diego, CA 92105).
This event will be open on a first come, first serve basis, while supplies last. One turkey per household. A member from each household must be present.
Questions? Contact: (619) 465-7903
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