Hello San Diego,

The Urban League of San Diego County has been a reliable place of information and resources in our community for decades. We are committed to supporting our community through these unpresented times with the fight for democracy, environmental justice, and impacts of global warming.

This year, we must stress the importance of voting and DEFEND DEMOCRACY. State legislatures are leading attacks on voting rights, and extremists are manipulating the legal system to limit access to higher education and the workforce. 

Earlier this year, backed-up storm drains plus heavy rain caused many individuals and families to leave their homes for safety because of flooding. It should be noted that these were primarily very low-to-moderate-income households of Black and Brown residents. The community "stepped to the occasion," continuing to prove its resiliency and resourcefulness to the world. Led by small community-based organizations, at the grassroots level, the community rallied to raise and distribute funds, gift cards, meals, toiletries, water, clothing, and emergency supplies as these families get ready to work with FEMA and Case Managers in restoring their housing, transportation, wellness, and livelihood for at least the next two years. Locally, we are committed to fighting for you and working to DEFEND DEMOCRACY, DEMAND DIVERSITY, AND DEFEAT POVERTY.

We will continue to provide information about emergency assistance services through the Urban League of San Diego County, the community based organizations and government offices who are directly on the ground, our partners, and others for the remainder of the natural disasters, rain, and flooding, impacted by global warming. Please use our newsletter, social media, text messages, and our website to stay updated and connected with resources and services.

Please review this email carefully. We will provide you and your family with resource information and materials related to storm recovery.

Our main office will be operating on an adjusted schedule from Monday to Friday, 9 A.M. – 5 P.M. Walk-ins are welcome until 4 P.M., but appointments are preferred. If the storms are bad, our staff will be working remotely while checking messages via email so that we can track all messages effectively. If you are unable to visit our office or feeling sick, we will gladly work with you via phone, virtually, or send a community health worker when possible. Simply call (619) 266-6237 to speak to our receptionist.

When you call, our receptionist will ask a few questions up-front so that we can best serve you. We are here to help and support our community through these challenging times.

Please use the link below to view the 2024 Election Results. All results are unofficial until the official canvass of the election is completed on or before April 4.

Storm Recovery and Community Action  

Meetings are generally scheduled for Mondays at 5:30 p.m. at the Jackie Robinson YMCA, where we will continue focusing on addressing the needs of our community affected by the recent floods.

UPDATE- FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are now open in San Diego County Starting Friday, as of March 1, 2024.

Survivors can apply for assistance until April 19, 2024. Immigration status checks are not available at the DRCs. Unless otherwise noted, all centers operate from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT, seven days a week.

Mountainview Community Center

641 South Boundary Street, San Diego, CA 92113

Spring Valley Library

836 Kempton Street Spring Valley, CA 91977

Individuals in San Diego County can apply with FEMA in the following ways:

1. Apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
2. Constituents may call the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585).

We have attached fact sheets on the Individual Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant programs.

In the wake of the severe flooding on January 22, 2024, the Southeast Disaster Response Team and numerous other organizations swiftly responded to the distress calls of individuals and families affected by the disaster. Acting as an immediate emergency response, these non-profit entities played a vital role.

Your participation as a community leader is crucial in developing effective strategies and solutions.

The primary goal of the next phase of disaster relief is to continue uniting as a community and advocating while working collaboratively to interpret the community needs of those most impacted and deliver those voices to the powers that be. Your insights and expertise will play a vital role in developing comprehensive solutions.

We encourage your active participation and invite you to forward this invitation to other community-based organizations that can contribute to our efforts.

Additionally, a community-wide call to action is extended to everyone in Southeast San Diego. Your generous donations, time, and involvement can bring hope and assistance to those affected by the floods.

The meeting will feature updates from City, County, State, and Federal officials regarding available resources and aid. Let us continue to rally together, providing the necessary help and support to our fellow community members. City, County, State, and Federal officials contact us at toltecone@gmail.com for a spot to speak on the agenda. 

We highly anticipate your presence at the meeting. If you have any questions or require further information, please email us at SDcommunityrelief@gmail.com.

Thank you for your dedication and support.

Warm regards,

Southeast Disaster Response Team (Community Collaborative)

RESOURCES:

Keep checking the resource list for new information and that the SDRT team is working to update it as soon as new information becomes available. 

Bit.ly/d4floodsupport 

WHERE TO DONATE & VOLUNTEER:

• San Diego Flood Response Fund (San Diego Foundation
• will match donations up to $100,000) - funds will go towards nonprofits helping San Diegans impacted by the flood
• Chicano Federation of San Diego County - funds will help provide safe
• shelter, food, transportation, and essential supplies to over 60 people.
• 20+ San Diego Flood Relief Fundraisers - list of people and
• entities who are requesting disaster relief donations around San Diego
• GoFundMe’s list of verified fundraisers - (select California/San Diego)—a centralized hub featuring all verified fundraisers related to the flooding in SD County. You can search for fundraisers by city and state. 
• The City of San Diego has a donation site at Mountain View/Beckwourth Library, which is open Monday through Saturday from noon to 5:30 p.m. 

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS:

• Red Cross number: 858-309-1200
• Non-Emergency number: 619-531-2000
• Life Threatening Emergencies: → DIAL 9-1-1
• Sign Up for AlertSanDiego: Text HELP to 98266 to get safety information delivered directly to your phone.
• Flood Recovery Resources: 2-1-1
• For help with cleanup, contact the San Diego Flooding Home Cleanup Hotline at 619-333-1450.
• City of San Diego residents: If you are still in your home and have not been helped with a hotel voucher, contact the Mayor’s Office: Korral Taylor 619-236-6330; taylork@sandiego.gov 
• Residents living outside of the City of San Diego, contact the County of San Diego: Andrea Rodriguez at 858-833-5515; andrea.rodriguez1@sdcountyca.gov 

MUCH LOVE

Fred Sotelo

Additional Storm resources:

• Press Release: Emergency Grant Funds for Storm-Impacted Small Businesses and Nonprofits
• Sandbags 
• Inclement Weather Shelter Program 
• Report Damages 
• Non-Emergency Get It Done Reporting 
• City Services Impacted by the Storm 
• How to Prepare for Flooding 
• How to Prepare When You Have Pets 

Have you or someone you know experienced flood damage and want to know your legal rights as a renter or landlord?

Please click the link below to view a document from the Legal Aid Society of San Diego and share it with others.

Since 1983, San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program (SDVLP) has changed the lives of thousands of poor women, children and men throughout San Diego County. A private, non-profit organization, SDVLP is the county’s oldest and most comprehensive pro bono legal services program.

SDVLP serves the most vulnerable members of our community: the homeless, abused children, domestic violence victims, elder abuse victims, veterans, immigrants, and those with HIV/AIDS. Notably, more than 75% of SDVLP’s clients are women and children.

The organization recently held a Small Business Clinic on February 27^th at the City Heights Library.

Please visit their website for services offered to the community.

Matt Velasquez (He/Him)

Microbusiness and Nonprofit Support Program Staff Attorney 

San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, Inc.

707 Broadway, Suite 1400 | San Diego, CA 92101

T: (858) 351-7649 • F: (619) 235-5668

www.sdvlp.org

The Urban League of San Diego County, in partnership with Grossmont College, is hosting the 2024 Annual Golden Pyramid Scholars Award Ceremony for students in grades 8^th through 12^th who have maintained a cumulative 3.5 or higher grade point average. The event will occur at Grossmont College on Sunday, May 19, 2024. 

Family members, friends, community leaders, and board members will participate in a salute of these student power players with high scholastics. In contrast, community and academic leaders promote a college-going culture of academic success. The Urban League designed this program to identify, recruit, cultivate, and support students striving to achieve academic and economic excellence. The college venue exposes students to a college campus and reinforces the perception of college as a viable and achievable option. “The Urban League of San Diego County understands that by openly acknowledging our youth in a public forum, we make it clear to them and the community that we believe in and support their achievements,” said Larry Reed, Board Chair. “These young leaders are honored because they demonstrate that ‘Achievement Matters.’ They are the building blocks of our community and our future leaders.

Registration is open is open now. Please use this link below to visit our website for more information.

The Urban League of San Diego County Celebrated Black History Month at Olympian High School

The Urban League of San Diego County celebrated Black History Month in February 2024 at Olympian High School while launching its Project Ready partnership with Sweetwater Union High School District. This partnership promises to be a win - win for the District, the employees, Olympian High School, the Urban League, the parents/guardians, and most importantly, the students.

Project Ready is a national program created by the National Urban League. It seeks to address the lack of culturally relevant and historically accurate curricula on the urban experience in America and empower youth with positive images of themselves as people who have impacted the social, economic, political, and cultural development of this nation, yesterday and today.

Our mission is to spark Project Ready youth with the curiosity to increase their knowledge of self and community while investigating history.



Apply today using this link.

If you are interested in Project Ready Olympian H.S. use this link.

For more information about the program, partnerships, sponsorships, and RFP for Speakers/Presentation, please contact Kea Hagan at (619) 266-6265 or send an email to kea@sdul.org. 

The Links to STEM: Inspire Genius program is beginning its 11^th year. We are seeking a class of 35 diverse students. A flyer and application for new students is attached. If you know any students who may be interested, please encourage them to apply. New students must currently be in the 3^rd or 4^th grade to be eligible to apply. The application deadline is March 8, 2024.

This program aims to enhance each student’s knowledge of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) related issues and to increase their interest in STEM-related college majors and careers. We understand that our students must be able to compete in a global market and that students who embrace STEM at an early age are more likely to be prepared to meet future educational and employment challenges. The cost to participate in this program is $50 per child (this includes STEM workshops, field trips, and a Links to STEM t-shirt and sweatshirt). 

I appreciate your help finding prospective students. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you.

Vickie Turner

Links to STEM Program

vtlinkstostem@gmail.com 

619-997-7129

Hello Education Partners:

The California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators annually hosts this wonderful conference. This year, the conference will be held in San Diego from March 13 to 15, 2024. This summit will focus on the 70th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education case. Presenters, including legislators, academics, educators, and others, will address the impact of the Brown case. Nationally known researchers will present new findings on various topics related to the case.  

We are incredibly honored to announce that Cheryl Brown-Henderson will be the keynote speaker at our 2024 Annual Statewide Summit in March. Ms. Brown-Henderson, a luminary in the fight for equity and inclusion in education, brings knowledge and inspiration that aligns perfectly with our mission. Her commitment to social justice and educational equity is inspiring and a beacon of hope and direction for all of us in CAAASA. Her presence at our summit is a testament to the impactful conversations and transformative insights we aim to foster.

Best,

LaShae Sharp-Collins

LaShae Sharp-Collins, Ed.D.

Community Engagement Specialist

Whole Child and Community Design

San Diego County Office of Education

Phone: 858-295-8773

Email: LaShae.Collins@sdcoe.net

Calling all fraternities and sororities, employer associations, alumni associations, legal associations, medical associations, engineering associations, military associations, biker associations, social justice associations, and members of community-based organizations. We need you to mentor our youth. To learn more, please email us at kea@sdul.org.

Note: The link below has been corrected and updated.

Please take a look, review, share with others, and apply for the upcoming scholarships:

• San Diego Foundation Scholarships
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., San Diego Alumnae Chapter Scholarship
• The David & Dovetta Wilson Scholarship Fund, Inc.

2024 Scholarships Available Apply by April 14

Dear Community member or High School Counselor,

The Ebony Pearls Foundation, Inc. and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Epsilon Xi Omega Chapter offer scholarships to African American or African Diaspora high school seniors attending college in the fall of 2024. Scholarships are available to female and male students who live in or attend high school in San Diego County. The application deadline is midnight on April 14, 2024. Please share! We ask that you share this information and the attached flyer with any of your students who may qualify or other community or school colleagues who may be interested. We want to get the word out to as many students as possible!

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is the first Greek letter organization founded by university-educated African American women. Grounded in service “to all mankind,” this international sorority gives back to local and global communities via various philanthropic endeavors. The San Diego Chapter has awarded academic scholarships since it was chartered in 1949. 



For our 2024 scholarship program, more than 20 scholarships of at least $1,000 up to $3,000 each will be awarded to students with a 3.0 GPA and satisfy other requirements. Please don't let this offer of college scholarship funds go to waste! See the scholarship application for a complete list of scholarships available. 

Visit www.akasandiego.com or click here to access the scholarship application directly: 2024 AKA EXO Scholarship.  

We encourage you to share this information with students, members of your school or organizations, and anyone interested in receiving a college scholarship! Send an email to alphakappaalphaexoscholarship@gmail.com with questions.

Sincerely,

AKA EXO Scholarship Committee

Questions: alphakappaalphaexoscholarship@gmail.com

Therapeutic Scholarship offered by Therapy for Black Women. Please know we are here to service the community and are open to assisting in any way that we can, with that in mind feel free to reach out if I can be of service. 

IWC Primary Care, An Innovative Wellness Clinic prides itself on caring for patients by carefully diagnosing illnesses, prescribing appropriate medications, and providing appropriate follow-up care. 

If you are looking for a patient-centered approach to healthcare, that is culturally sensitive, you may want to consider this clinic. They have a commitment to excellence that is evident from the moment their patients step through the doors; they are greeted with warmth and kindness by front office staff before being ushered into an appointment setting where professional, yet friendly primary care providers offer personalized attention and compassionate support. This healthcare facility recognizes the importance of giving each patient a tailored and personalized experience.

They have a passionate clinical team that strives to provide top-tier services that prioritize everyone's unique needs. They integrate both conventional and integrative medicine into our treatment plans for maximum efficacy in addressing potential issues before they can arise. During your appointment, they promise a fully attentive experience focused on listening and understanding all concerns regarding your well-being.

Healthcare Team:

• Monica Cistrone, MS FNP-C
• Danielle Gordon, MS, FNP-C
• Suzanne Afflalo, MD



Please find a lot of great opportunities in the area using the link below for Citibank.

Once you go to this site, you will see a search bar. You can then type in the position of interest and apply. You just need to create an online profile and attach a resume.