Council District 9 News

May 17, 2023

Hello Lydia,

May marks the peak of the City’s budget season. And while the word “budget” may bring to mind spreadsheets and dry charts and graphs, a budget is so much more than numbers. The City’s budget is where we put our values and priorities into action. Oftentimes, as a result of insufficient City revenue, this means tough decisions where we are forced to choose between multiple worthwhile competing priorities.

I try my best to do two things when facing a difficult decision. First, I try to ground myself in my values. Second, I seek the best information possible. When it comes to the City’s budget, the community’s input — your voice — is critical information. In today’s email you’ll see multiple opportunities we’ve worked to create so you can be equipped with an understanding of the process and a platform to share your opinion.

Our last budget forums are THIS WEEK! We have one tomorrow, Thursday the 18th, on Zoom at 6pm. Our last one is Saturday the 20th, 10:30am at the College-Rolando Library. Register now to save yourself a seat: sdd9.info/rsvp

I hope you’ll participate. We’d love to hear your thoughts on how we should spend our community’s money for the year. Register today and let us know you'll be attending.

With gratitude,

Sean

RSVP NOW

Council District 9 Updates

Recognizing Heritage & Health

AAPI Heritage Month – This month we celebrate the Asian American and Pacific Islander community who are such an important part of District 9 and the diverse fabric of our city. Thank you to the AAPI community who have shared their food, rich culture and traditions with us.

Mental Health Awareness Month – Our country is facing an unprecedented mental health crisis that is affecting adults, devastating young people, and impacting people from every background. This month, and every month, it’s important to recognize the importance of mental health and support those who may need help.

Jewish American Heritage Month – Jewish Americans have a long proud history, whether born here, immigrants, or refugees from persecution. Jewish Americans have made major contributions to society and culture in science, medicine, literature, government, the arts, business, technology, and so much more.

Bike Anywhere Day

Join the District 9 office on Thursday (May 18) for Bike Anywhere Day! We will be tabling from 6-9am at the Adams Recreation Center. We’ll have snacks, swag and resources.

At 8:45am, our office will be riding to work (City Hall in Downtown). Feel free to join our office as we ride through Adams Avenue, Park Boulevard, Balboa Park and Downtown.

For more information on SANDAG Bike Anywhere Day, visit SANDAG.org/BikeMonth

Youth & Family Town Hall

The Office of Child & Youth Success needs your help! In partnership Council President Elo-Rivera, the office is holding a virtual town hall this Saturday (May 20th) from 10am-12pm to help create the City of San Diego’s Child and Youth Master Plan.

The master plan will be an intentional roadmap that creates a shared vision of services, programs, and resources that will support cross-generational solutions and uplift the voices of children, youth and families in San Diego.

RSVP today at sdd9.info/townhall

Submit A Report

Get It Done Reporting 101

When to Use Get It Done

Get It Done can be used to report problems related to City assets, making appointments for Passport services or to schedule time at the City’s Household Hazardous Waste Materials drop-off facility. Do not use Get It Done for reporting emergencies or other time-sensitive issues. It can take up to 48 hours to review your report or request for appointment.

How to Make Efficient and Effective Reports

List only one (1) issue per report - Issues may go to different departments within the City to get resolved. It is best to submit reports separately.
Include a photo if possible. When taking a photo, include the surrounding area to help City workers locate the issue.
Select the item that most fits your issue. Selecting the appropriate item from the Get It Done menu of options assists with routing reports to the correct department for resolution.

More information available at www.sandiego.gov/get-it-done/outreach

What We're Reading, Watching, and Listening

In this section, Council President Elo-Rivera and our team share a few things we’ve seen and heard that have influenced or impacted us since our last email. Take a look and give these items a read or watch:

Read: "Money: The True Story of a Made-Up Thing" – Jacob Goldstein

Watch: "SANDAG Bike Month Webinar – Know Before You GO by BIKE" – SANDAG

Listen: "Pay Attention To What's Happening in California" – The Ezra Klein Show