February is Black History Month. Dr. Carter G. Woodson, known as the “Father of Black History,” is recognized for his role in paving the way for Black History Month in the United States. Black History Month highlights the contributions of African Americans of the past and present.

Locally, District 4 is home to some of the most incredible changemakers in politics, civil rights, arts, sports, music, and culture. Some include Ernie Barnes, Shirley Jean Meadors, George L. Stevens, Marie C. Widman, and Leon L. Williams. Let’s continue to honor those who came before us and share their legacy for generations to come. This year's Black History Month in San Diego was certainly one to remember! 

I proudly proclaimed February 2025, as “Black History Month” in the City of San Diego. Thank you, Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera for joining me on this proclamation. 

Thank you to Brothers United San Diego Fire Department, San Diego Black Police Officers Association, San Diego City Black Employees Association, Women of Color Roar, and all those who came out to support the proclamation in City Council Chambers. I truly appreciate the words of wisdom shared during public comment. Together, we are making history.

Let’s continue to lead the way for fair wages, equal opportunity compliance, diversity, equity, and inclusion at the City of San Diego.

It was an honor to attend the Women of Color ROAR Annual Breakfast on the first day of Black History Month. Witnessing the strength and resilience of the women present was truly inspiring. 

My colleagues and I proclaimed Feb. 1st, 2025, “Women of Color ROAR Day” in the City of San Diego. Congratulations to all the honorees. I am proud to support and uplift the women of our community.

On Feb. 7th, I had the honor of speaking at the “Black Excellence in San Diego: Honoring our Elected Officials” event at Crawford High School. As a graduate of Lincoln High School, I am deeply grateful and humbled to have been invited to share my story with the youth of our City. 

Thank you to the students at Crawford High School and Principal Dr. Reashon Villery for bringing civic engagement to the forefront as we celebrated Black History Month.

I proclaimed February 11, 2025, as “Rosa Parks’s Transit Equity Day” in the City of San Diego. The “First Lady of Civil Rights” fought to integrate public transportation systems and played a pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Across the U.S., Rosa Parks Transit Equity Day is celebrated as a day of action to commemorate the birthday of Rosa Parks. Thank you, Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera, for joining me for the proclamation.

Thank you to everyone who attended #DaygoEatz in the Black Arts + Culture District on Feb. 16th. The turnout was great, and the food was excellent. As we continue to #ShopD4, we support our local businesses and build community excellence. Thank you to Black San Diego for organizing the annual event!

I am proud of my fellow Lincoln High School Hornets “The Hive” Football Team for their win as State Champions. I proclaimed February 25, 2025, to be “Lincoln High School Football State Champions Day” in the City of San Diego.

“The Hive” won titles as CIF Southern California Regional Champions and CIF-SDS Champions, leading them to clinch a victorious win as the Division 1-AA State Champions. The Coaches, Players, and Lincoln High School Football fans experienced a season to remember. Congratulations to Head Coach David Dunn, the Coaching Staff, and the Team for all they do in shining a light on Lincoln High School's excellence and our community's strength.

In 2020, Crystal Trent became the first African American woman to serve as a Locomotive Engineer in San Diego County. To honor her milestone I proclaimed Feb. 25th, 2025, as "Crystal Trent Day" in the City of San Diego during Black History Month. 

"I never imagined that I would be standing here reflecting on my journey as the first female African American locomotive engineer for my community," Crystal said.

Crystal grew up in various neighborhoods in District 4 including Oak Park. She has dedicated 14 years of service with the North County Transit District (NCTD). We are proud of Crystal Trent for being a trailblazer in the locomotive industry. Congratulations!

In District 4, eight courageous community-based organizations jumped into action and formed the Southeast Disaster Response Team (SDRT) during the historic Jan. 22nd Floods. SDRT quickly became the unofficial disaster recovery team. Their valiant efforts are why I proclaimed Feb. 25th, 2025, as "Southeast Disaster Response Team Day." It was important to acknowledge their courage when our community needed it most.

SDRT is comprised of the Harvey Family Foundation, the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA, JIREH Providers, the PHATCAMP Organization, Pillars of the Community, San Diego Hip Hop Health & Wellness 5K & Festival, the Urban Collaborative Project, and the Urban Leadership Development Institute—all hailing from District 4. It's no coincidence that District 4 is home to many community leaders who are part of San Diego's history. 

On Feb. 3rd, I voted "YES" to Item 200: Affordable Housing Preservation Ordinance. This Item gives tenants the first right of refusal to purchase the unit if the developer decides to sell the building. The Ordinance also now requires owners and/or developers to provide a 3-month notice to the San Diego Housing Commission before selling the property. I believe continued oversight of this Ordinance is critical to ensure long-term housing affordability for our residents. Thank you to Councilmember Vivian Moreno for pushing Item 200 to the forefront as we tackle the rising cost of housing and to my fellow Councilmembers for voting unanimously on this critical issue.

To learn more on Item 200: Affordable Housing Preservation Ordinance, visit here.

The plans to improve Marie Widman Memorial Park in the Black Arts + Culture District is a top priority. On Feb. 25th, during City Council, I voted to approve the authorization to receive $850,000 in federal funding to ensure the funding for design and construction improvements. I look forward to seeing our community enjoy the park while celebrating the legacy of District 4 civic leader Marie Widman.

Thank you to Congressman Juan Vargas for his efforts in securing federal funding. Thank you to the San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art for all its advocacy efforts to improve places like Marie Widman Memorial Park in the Black Arts + Culture District. Green spaces and public parks improve our quality of life. For more info on the future of the Marie Widman Memorial Park project, visit here.

On Feb. 1st, Team Foster hosted #D4DumpsterDay to provide residents with a convenient way to dispose of bulky household items. Thank you to all of the volunteers and participants that came out! A big shout-out to Jacobs Center, San Ysidro Health, Urban Corps of San Diego County, EDCO, and Teen Challenge of Southern California for their invaluable assistance and participation. We look forward to organizing more #D4DumpsterDay events this year!

Graffiti @ Montcliff Rd. & Alsacia St.

Illegal Dumping @ Solola Ave. & Palin St.

Graffiti @ Marketplace Ave. & Imperial Ave.

Vegetation Overgrowth @ Manzanares Way & Churchward St.

Vegetation Overgrowth @ Tooma St. & Alsacia St.

The City of San Diego is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of residents living in floodplain areas by distributing educational pamphlets with vital information on how to prepare for potential flooding. The informational brochures, which were sent to about 10,000 residents who live in or own property in a floodplain, contain essential guidelines on emergency preparedness, evacuation plans, flood insurance and other critical flood-related resources. The pamphlets include important tips on:

• How to protect your property.
• What steps should be taken before, during, and after a flood.
• Understanding your potential flood risk.
• Purchasing flood insurance.
• How to contact the City for needed services.

Residents are encouraged to review the information and implement measures to protect against flood damage. To find out if your home is in a floodplain, visit sandiego.gov/floodplain. If needed, empty sandbags are available in District 4. Sandbags are limited to 10 bags per City of San Diego household or business, and sand is not provided. Call ahead for supply information:

MLK Recreation Center, 6401 Skyline Dr., San Diego, CA 92114. Phone: (619) 527-3415

Amaya Ford-Marrs launched Love & Bake on Valentine's Day weekend. She hosted the "Desserts of Love" taste test event at MLK Recreation Center, where guests shared fun memories of their favorite desserts. While Amaya has a bachelor's degree in Culinary Management and a master's degree in Hospitality Management, she says she owes her baking skills to her family.

Amaya was inspired to bake when she watched her late grandfather Manual Cass bake a peach cobbler at home. It was love at first taste. Since then, she has been busy baking up a menu including "NyNy's Chocolate Chip Cookies," "Vanilla Hennessy Cupcakes," "Strawberry Shortcake Cakes," and "GG's Cookies," named after her grandmother Era "GG" Cass. She says, "Desserts bring happy memories you will always share with family." 

Love & Bake is located at 6426 Skyline Dr., San Diego, CA 92114. To order online, visit here. 

Your voice matters. That’s why I created “Foster Fridays” to meet with you, the residents of District 4, on Fridays at the Southeastern Live Well Center. Email me to schedule an appointment: HenryFoster@sandiego.gov. I look forward to meeting you.

Office Hours: Fridays | 1:30 PM -  4:30 PM
Location: Southeastern Live Well Center, 5101 Market St., San Diego, CA, 92114  

The Environmental Services Department will host community open houses across the City of San Diego. You will learn more about proposed costs and service options for waste collection. 

District 4 Open House
Tue., April 1st, 5:30 PM - 7 PM
Skyline Hills Library
7900 Paradise Valley Rd.
San Diego, CA 92139

Webinar Open House 
Fri., April 4, 9 AM - 11 AM
Registration here.

TOPICS INCLUDE:

• Land Development Code Updates
• Encanto: Public Notices & Community Planning Group (CPG) Agendas
• Cannabis Updates
• Chollas Creek Watershed Regional Park Master Plan
• Planning Commission
• Skyline Paradise Hills: Public Notices & CPG Agendas
• Southeastern San Diego: Public Notices & CPG Agendas

District 4 is comprised of 18 communities. It includes: Alta Vista, Broadway Heights, Chollas View, Emerald Hills, Encanto, Greater Skyline Hills, Jamacha, Lincoln Park, Lomita Village, Mountain View, North Bay Terraces, O'Farrell, Oak Park, Paradise Hills, Ridgeview, South Bay Terraces, Valencia Park, and Webster. This includes zip codes: 92102, 92105, 92113, 92114, 92115, and 92139. To find out where your Community Council Meetings are held visit here.

We are the home of the Black Arts + Culture District.

HENRY L. FOSTER III
Councilmember
HenryFoster@sandiego.gov

Councilmember Henry L. Foster III

City of San Diego Council District 4

City Administration Building
202 C Street #10A
San Diego, CA 92101

(619) 236-6644