CAMPBELL CHRONICLES

March 21, 2025
 

Dear {{firstname}},

 

In March, we celebrate Women's History Month and the importance women have had in our country's history. Women's History Month acknowledges the achievements of women, the barriers that have been broken, and the challenges that still remain in the face of gender inequality. 

 

On Tuesday, the City Council recognized ten incredible women who are making history in our city. The honoree from District 2 was Shelly Parks, the President of the Ocean Beach Community Foundation (OBCF). Shelly stepped up to lead the OBCF during a tumultuous time, keeping this important OB community organization intact. The OBCF sponsors many beloved traditions such as the Holiday Parade, Food and Toy Drive, and the annual Pancake Breakfast.

 

Outside of all the great work she does in Ocean Beach, Shelly also has decades of experience working in the local nonprofit sector. She has served with Jewish Family Service, as the Director of Programs at the San Diego Food Bank, and currently as the Basic Needs Coordinator at San Diego Miramar College. Shelly is a licensed clinical social worker and has a Master of Social Work from SDSU. She volunteers with San Diego's 211 Community Information Exchange, helping those experiencing mental health challenges.

 

The other honorees are: Katy McDonald, Cori Austin, Sharon Gehl, Emilia Castillo, Khara Mangiduyos, Sgt. Maj. Rosalia Scifo, Haydee Jezabel Ramirez, Claudia Zavalza Hough-Snee, and Monica Hill.

 

There are so many trailblazing women in San Diego, and I am grateful to live in a time and place where women are breaking the barriers that have held back generations before them from reaching their full potential. Congratulations to Shelly and all the other Women of Distinction and thank you for all the work you do for your communities and for our city!

Sincerely,

Councilmember Jennifer Campbell
District 2
San Diego City Council
 

Resolution in Support of SB 569 to Address Homelessness on State Property Through Collaboration with Local Governments

On March 10, the City Council unanimously voted to support California Senate Bill 569 "The California Homeless Encampment Collaboration Act" authored by Senator Catherine Blakespear. This bill, which is co-sponsored by Mayor Gloria and the League of California Cities, allows for increased collaboration between Caltrans and local governments for encampment abatement and cleanup. While the City has been doing its part to remove encampments on City property, many of the largest encampments exist near freeway on- and off-ramps or underpasses, which are Caltrans property. 

 

Acceptance of $3M Donation for the Ocean Beach Library Expansion Project

On March 11, the City Council accepted a $3 million donation for the Ocean Beach Library Expansion Project from the Shinnick family of Ocean Beach. The OB Library is the oldest library in our city, and this expansion will retain the historic character of the building while also making necessary upgrades to the facility so it can better serve the community. Thanks to the generosity of the Shinnick family, this project will soon be underway!

 

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

On March 18, the City Council recognized "Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month," which acknowledges some of the challenges faced by individuals with these conditions. In our country, nearly 54 million people have been diagnosed with a developmental disability that impacts their daily life, such as Down syndrome, autism, dyslexia, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or cerebral palsy, and a multitude of other genetic disorders. Despite these struggles, people with developmental disabilities are still able to lead fulfilling lives if they have access to the support they need. This ranges from early childhood education to life skills training to social activity. I want to thank Arc of San Diego and all the other organizations that support individuals with developmental disabilities in San Diego for all the amazing support they provide.
 

SDG&E and San Diego Bird Alliance 13th Annual Least Tern Habitat Restoration Event

Thank you to SDG&E and the San Diego Bird Alliance for inviting me to the 13th annual Least Tern Habitat Restoration event! Volunteers helped to clean up the least tern nesting locations at Mariner's Point and remove invasive species to help protect the California Least Terns, which are an endangered species.
 

North Clairemont Trash Pickup Event

On March 8, staff from the Environmental Services Department completed a trash pickup event for residents of North Clairemont. They collected 10.8 tons of recyclable waste and 21.85 tons of non-recyclable waste for a total of 32.65 tons. Thank you to our Environmental Services team for their hard work to serve the residents of District 2!
 

Clairemont Block 6K2 Utilities Undergrounding Project Pre-Design Forum

If you live within the Block 6K2 project area (click the button below to check) in Clairemont, the City invites you to attend the upcoming Pre-Design Community Forum on March 27 from 6pm to 7:30pm at the Cathy Hopper Friendship Center for the utilities undergrounding project in your neighborhood. Representatives from the City, SDG&E, and utility companies will be there to answer your questions and collect feedback on the project. No RSVP is required.
 

Next Phase of Work for Pure Water SD

Beginning March 24, crews will begin pipeline installation in Bay Park. Work will begin at the intersection of Milton St. and Chicago St., moving north on Chicago St. Parking and traffic impacts are expected during the work. Work will take place between 8am and 11pm Monday through Friday, and crews will need to close sections of the street to vehicle traffic and parking in one-block work zones. For your safety, please follow all posted signage. To view the schedule of work and block closures, or to sign up for updates from Pure Water, click the button below.
 

City's "Hotel Room Tax" to Increase Starting May 1

Beginning on May 1, 2025, the City will increase the transient occupancy tax (TOT), a tax on hotel rooms, which will bring in approximately $82 million in revenue in Fiscal Year 2026. Measure C, the ballot measure that proposed the TOT increase, was passed by the voters in 2020 but implementation was delayed by legal challenges. However, the City prevailed in court and can now move forward with implementing the increase. Now, visitors staying in hotels, RV parks, and short-term rental properties will pay increased TOT based on the distance from the property to the Convention Center, in three tax zones. The revenue generated by the increase in TOT will go toward Convention Center improvements, addressing homelessness, and improving street infrastructure. For more information on Measure C and its implementation, click the button below.
 

Midway Rising Public Meeting - March 24

Join the Midway Rising team at the Otay Mesa-Nestor Library for an informational workshop on March 24 at 6pm (complimentary parking provided onsite). Attendees will learn more about Midway Rising's redevelopment vision, latest milestones, and the road ahead. To RSVP, click the button below.
 

Office of the City Clerk "Passport Pop-Up" Events

The Office of the City Clerk Passport Services is hosting pop-up events at various City facilities that will provide full-service passport processing, including photos. The currently scheduled pop-ups are listed below. For more information or to schedule an appointment, click the button below or call 619-533-4000.
 

City's Street Design Manual Update

The City's updated Street Design Manual is now out for public review and comment. The Manual addresses the many aspects of modern streets that will serve the needs of all users, such as pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders. To view the Streets Design Manual and submit your comments, click the button below.
 

City of San Diego Measure B Trash Study Round 3

The City is considering enhanced trash collection services and new fees, as per Measure B passed by the voters in 2022, and is asking for your feedback on the proposal. The District 2 meeting will take place on Monday, April 7 from 5:30pm to 7pm at the San Diego College of Continuing Education's Midway Campus (3249 Fordham St, 92110). At any time, residents can also take the online questionnaire by clicking the button below, or visit the project website to see the latest updates.
 

Have a question or need assistance from the City? Contact your respective Community Representative from my Office:
 

If you need assistance with non-emergency community concerns, please use the Get It Done App or you can call my office or email me directly.

Office of Councilmember
Jennifer Campbell
City Administration Building
202 "C" Street, 10th Floor
San Diego, CA 92101

 

619-236-6622