Council District 9 News

March 20, 2024

Hello Lydia,

This week, 10 women from across the city were honored as Women of Distinction for making a significant impact in their communities and helping create a better San Diego. The Council District 9 Honoree, Nao Kabashima, is the co-founder and Executive Director of Karen Organization of San Diego (KOSD). Nao is originally from Japan and first came to the U.S. as a graduate student. After she earned her Master’s degree in Political Science at California State University, Chico, in 2008, she began volunteering for the Refugee Resettlement Program at Jewish Family Service of San Diego and started to meet with many Karen and Karenni refugee families from Burma.

In 2009, she co-founded KOSD with Karen community leaders to meet the urgent needs of refugees from Burma in San Diego. She served as the Secretary and Chair of the San Diego Refugee Forum in 2012-2013 and is currently serving the Partnership for Advancement of New Americans (PANA) as a Board Chair.

Nao is a dedicated, welcoming, and inspiring leader in our community. We are grateful for her service in our community. She leads with heart and care, whether that is facilitating the Karen New Year celebration every year in City Heights, or investing in the development of our youth. Thank you for everything you do, Nao. We are so grateful for you.

Congratulations to all of the inspiring women recognized for their incredible work.

With gratitude,

Sean

Woman of Distinction for Council District 9 Honoree, Nao Kabashima

Nao Kabashima with friends and family outside of City Hall

Council District 9 Updates

Before and After photos of Redland Drive

Council Office & Community Partnership

Redland Loop is an example of how community advocacy can truly change the lives of residents throughout our district. Initially brought to the Council District 9 Office’s attention in February 2022, residents along Redland Drive and 55th Place asked to meet with Council President Elo-Rivera to discuss the severely deteriorated state of their street, and the promise the City made to them to repave their streets.

Following the walkthrough with community members, Council President Elo-Rivera advocated on behalf of residents along Redland Loop throughout subsequent budget cycles and through Council actions. It was through this working partnership between the Council District 9 Office and residents of Redland Loop that Council President Elo-Rivera was able to successfully dedicate City funds directly to the improvement of Redland Loop. Now in 2024, Redland families are able to enjoy the newly paved streets thanks to City crews who recently finished improvements.

Thank you to all of the neighbors in the Redland community for your leadership and advocacy throughout this process.

District 9 Spring Events

YOU’RE invited! Hop on over to one of the spring events happening throughout District 9. Many of our community centers and community organizations have some fun things planned, like egg hunts, talent shows, and carnivals. Join us for arts and crafts, games, prizes, and more!

For more information on the events listed, checkout sdd9.info/parkcal

More Info

City Budget Crash Course

Passing a budget is one of the most important things the City Council does every year. We encourage everyone to take part in the budget process. The Office of the Independent Budget Analyst (IBA) is holding a virtual crash course TOMORROW (Thursday, March 21st) at 5PM.

The IBA will review how the budget process works, key components, budget equity considerations, how YOU can get involved, and more.

RSVP Now

Safe Streets for All Survey

Council District 9 is committed to having clean, safe, and healthy communities for all. A cornerstone of a healthy community is Safe Streets. Safe Streets promote walkable neighborhoods and increased accessibility for everyone.

Traffic safety concerns are among the topmost issues that our office has heard from our communities. Council President Elo-Rivera takes all traffic safety concerns seriously and advocates on behalf of all of District 9 residents for safer streets.

Please take the quick survey down below to share with us what you believe are the most important aspects of street safety are for you. This will provide our office the best insight on how to approach making streets in District 9 safer for everyone.

Fill Out Survey

Know Your Rights Meeting

Last year, we introduced and passed a law to strengthen tenants’ rights in San Diego. These new rights have already prevented many renters from being unfairly evicted from their homes or provided them with financial support to find a new place.

Knowing your rights as a renter is the best way to protect you and your family.

Please join my office, the Office of Councilmember Vivian Moreno, the Legal Aid Society of San Diego, and the San Diego Housing Commission to learn more about your new rights as a renter and how you can protect yourself.

There will also be information for those impacted by the recent flooding during this meeting.

In the News: $3.3 million for Enhanced Bike and Pedestrian Infrastructure

Last week, the California Air Resources Board announced the allocation of $3.3 million for the development of enhanced bike and pedestrian infrastructure in the City Heights neighborhood.

The work is intended to connect the under-construction Cuatro affordable housing complex to the nearby City Heights Transit Plaza and The Boulevard Transit Plaza. The funding will also support community outreach.

Read the full story HERE

Photo by Matthew Bowler/KPBS

San Diego Diplomacy Council's Binational Youth Summit

For the past 45 years, the San Diego Diplomacy Council (SDDC) has created an inclusive professional, cultural, and educational experience that connects local and global changemakers in the San Diego region; to connect and create more opportunities to address challenges, such as citizen safety, economic opportunity, social justice, and environmental sustainability. One of the ways the SDDC is addressing these challenges is by converging young community members at the 2024 Binational Youth Summit, which was held at San Diego State University. This one-day summit gathered over 200 high school students – and their teachers – from San Diego and Tijuana to explore international affairs, and diplomacy while developing binational relationships.

At the summit, the teachers and faculty received tools and tips to integrate more international affairs curricula into their classrooms. Thanks to the SDDC, high schoolers from San Diego and Tijuana had the opportunity to engage and grow in the international education community, receive leadership and civic engagement training, and learn about career opportunities and educational pathways in international affairs, global business, and diplomacy.

Commercial Grants Available

The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District is currently offering commercial grants and incentives! Funding is available to upgrade commercial diesel equipment and vehicles to newer and greener technology.

Qualifying equipment and vehicles include: