The play structure at the Allied Gardens Park is officially repaired and open for use. My staff and I worked diligently to urge progress on this project, which I was glad to see accomplished last month. I’d like to thank Parks and Recreation for their work on getting these slides fixed. I’d also like to thank Allied Gardens community members for your advocacy, attention and patience on this issue. Take a look at the results below!

One of the best things about District 7 is our welcoming and inclusive community. Last month, my Senior Community Representative, Anthony, joined Ascension Lutheran Church to help dedicate their new LGBTQIA+ banner—a symbol of love, acceptance, and equality for all. Thank you to Ascension Lutheran Church for your commitment to making sure everyone feels supported and valued!

Speaking of Anthony, he just celebrated five years with the City of San Diego!

Many of you have had the privilege of working with Anthony, my hardworking, always smiling, service-oriented Navajo Community Representative. A while back, my team and I read Unreasonable Hospitality, a book about unparalleled service in the culinary industry and its positive impact on both employees and customers. Anthony is the epitome of "unreasonable hospitality", and I'm incredibly lucky to have him on my team. Congratulations on your five years with the City, Anthony!

Looking fresh, Del Cerro! New crosswalk markings were recently installed at the intersection of College Avenue and Lance Street. A stop sign was also recently installed at the intersection of Theta Place and Lambda Drive. Thank you to the Transportation Department and city crews for the good work on these projects.

I’m an advocate for measures that make our communities safer and more pedestrian friendly, especially on busy streets like College Avenue. I’ll continue to work on and advocate for projects that make the Navajo a safer and more connected place to live.

Take a look at the results below.

Community Event Alert!

Join Del Cerro and surrounding community members for a Kid's Clothing Swap on Sunday, April 6 at Princess Del Cerro Park from 9:00-11:00AM. To RSVP or reach out with questions, email DelCerroClothingSwap@gmail.com.

Linda Vistans on Burton and Coolidge Street got some pre-Spring cleaning done this month. The City of San Diego’s Environmental Services Department (ESD) provides opportunities throughout the district for residents to leave bulky items on their curb for pickup. This recent cleanup removed 1.27 tons of recyclable waste and 7.01 tons of non-recyclable waste for a total of 8.28 tons.

Interested in having a Mini Bulk Cleanup on your block? ESD hosts 1-2 a month and determines the location by referencing a running list of residential requests. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office with your request. We are happy to pass your street name along to ESD.

Mark your calendars! One of our favorite events of the year—The Linda Vista Multicultural Fair—is quickly approaching. It will take place on Saturday, April 26 from 10:00am to 5:00pm and is sure to be a good time. This year is particularly special because it will be the 40th anniversary of this incredible annual event. I’m proud to have supported the Linda Vista Multicultural Fair with $7,000 in funding through the 2025 Arts, Culture, and Community Festivals (ACCF) Funding program, which we approved at City Council last month.

I look forward to seeing you all there! Expect to see me walking alongside my staff and community organizations in the parade, as well as at our booth. Thank you to all of the organizations and donors involved in coordinating this event. I’m thrilled to see what you are planning for this year.

Friars Road has been under construction for the pure water project for the past couple months. My staff recently received an update with a projected window of completion and information regarding a new contract that will impact construction in the area.

Currently, the City’s Engineering and Capital Projects Department anticipates that construction will be off Friars Road in 2026 for Pure Water Projects. A contract for the Alvarado Second Pipeline was awarded this summer and a portion of the project will be in this area. More details will be shared with me and my staff in late Spring, and I will be sure to update you when I receive them.

San Carlos Little League (SCLL) celebrated its Spring Opening Day last month! San Carlos Little League’s Opening Day is always a treat, chock full of festivities and excitement for the upcoming season. This year, 40 teams will be competing—the most SCLL has ever had!

I wish a great season to all of the athletes involved and extend my appreciation to the parents and coaches for organizing the season. Youth sports are so important to children's confidence, social skills, and overall health and I’m a proud supporter of the little leagues throughout our district. Play ball!

The Office of Child and Youth Success and Youth Will partnered to host a seminar for young Serra Mesans and surrounding residents as one of a series of events dedicated to increasing civic duty, knowledge of city processes, and awareness of volunteer opportunities for young City of San Diego residents.

The future of our great city rest with our young people. I was honored to be able to offer some word of encouragement to the attendees. My staff also attended to listen in and partake in the activities.

Last month, the community celebrated the grand opening of a new Goodwill location off Tierrasanta Blvd. Staff attended on my behalf to deliver a special commendation to commemorate the occasion. I’m incredibly proud to support job growth and economic development in District 7.

Goodwill of San Diego County not only provides cost-efficient shopping experiences for residents; it also adheres to its mission to provide employment and training opportunities to people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. In 2024 alone, Goodwill San Diego provided work for 952 people, employed 1,666 people, and served more than 7,994 people. We’re so thrilled to have your new retail location in Tierrasanta!

The Tierrasanta Recreation Center received some much-needed improvements and upgrades last month. Our recreational facilities are critical to residents’ wellbeing as spaces for youth sports, adult sports, community gatherings, and simple time outside! Thanks to Tierrasanta Foundation’s “Fix the Rec” fundraising effort, phase two of their initiative is complete.

Below are pictures of some of the improvements. The pergola support posts were replaced, playground equipment has been added and fixed, drinking fountains have been purchased, and the basketball courts were resurfaced and painted for pickleball. I’m proud to have supported this effort by keeping in contact with city staff to ensure work was expedited. Thank you to Tierrasanta Foundation for organizing this fundraising and to all the community members and organizations for pitching in.

Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation’s Hit the Trails Hike-a-Thon wrapped up on January 15th after three months of impressive peer-to-peer fundraising. MTRP Foundation recently hosted a closing ceremony in celebration of the collective achievement of fundraising $45,485. It was also an opportunity to recognize and those who topped the leaderboards.

Vic, my Director of Community Engagement, and Emma, my Staff Assistant attended the event on my behalf to provide each of the winners with commendations. Congratulations to all of the participants and those who received awards. They are listed below—fantastic jobs all around!

Most funds raised: Curtis Loer, $4,385

Team with most miles completed: BUTLERSTRONG, 2,194.35 miles

Team with most funds raised: BUTLERSTRONG, $3,751

Most miles hiked: Dan Burnes, 500 miles

Most miles run: Joseph Harter, 622.38 miles

Most miles biked: Everett Hauser, 1,346.62 miles

The Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation Photography Competition is back! This year, the Foundation has “added two new categories: Professional and Cowles Mountain in honor of the 50th anniversary of the peak’s purchase.” I'm proud to have supported this inspiring community event through Arts, Culture, and Community Festival (ACCF) Funding.

The contest will run from February 21 to April 1. There is no entry fee, and the competition is open to all ages. Winners can expect cash prizes and to have their winning photo displayed at the Visitor Center. Thank you to the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation for hosting this well-loved community event for the 32nd year in a row. I look forward to seeing all of the entries.

I introduced Local Luminary last year as a way to elevate the stories of those in our community who spread joy, cultivate positivity, and address community issues through impassioned, innovative work. This month’s Local Luminary highlights a collaborative effort that meets all the above criteria and more.

Miller Elementary and Social Advocates for Youth (SAY) San Diego partnered to open “The Lighthouse,” a space on campus dedicated to students’ mental health, wellbeing, belonging, and learning. Given the detrimental impact of social media and post-pandemic isolation trends, Miller Elementary and SAY San Diego’s “The Lighthouse” is a shining example of how we can—and should—support children. I learned about “The Lighthouse” in this Times of San Diego article, which I highly recommend you take a look at.

Thank you to the entire Miller Wellness Team--Bryan Golojuch-Galasso, Kelly Hinch, Dr. Denise Goulart, Isaiah Hughes, Luigi Zulaybar, Leila Bennati, Joanna Rydalch, Monica Moon, Anthony Tucker, Joan Martinez, and Erika Manzo--for your

Budget season is here and the City Council is looking for your participation in the process. Especially given the historic budgetary constraints we are facing this year, residential feedback is as important as ever.

On Thursday, March 20 at 5:00p.m., The Office of the Independent Budget Analyst (IBA) is hosting a virtual crash course on the City’s budget process. Registration is required, which can be done by following this link. Spanish translation will be available. The crash course will cover a range of topics including:

How the City’s budget process works.

Key components of the operating and capital improvement budgets.

City Council budget priorities.

Budget equity considerations.

How San Diego residents can be involved.

A general overview of the FY26 Budget timeline can be found below. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions. More community input sessions--including sessions specifically designated for public input at City Council--are on the horizon and I will share those opportunities once details are published.

Sincerely,