Last Friday, I hosted my annual tradition of partnering with San Diego Carpenters Local 619 and Bayside Community Center to give away Thanksgiving turkeys and fresh produce to low-income Linda Vistans. All in all, we gave away 100 turkeys, 2,173 pounds of produce, and 152 non-perishable food bags to 152 families.  

When I first took office in 2020, drawing on the conversations I was having with constituents and city staff as well as my own experience as a former fifth grade teacher and as the youngest member of the City Council, I knew that the City needed a department to specifically focus on the needs of children and families.

I buckled down and got to work — and it resulted in the creation of the Office of Child and Youth Success (OCYS), the first department of its kind at the City of San Diego. Just this year, the City Council adopted the Child and Youth Plan, which was drafted by OCYS and sets the roadmap for how San Diego can take immediate action to become a more nurturing and caring City for children, youth, and families. 

I’m so proud to recognize Tara Ryan, the Acting Executive Director of OCYS, as this week’s Childcare Champion. A mother, advocate, and former teacher and education administrator, Tara has spent her career strengthening systems for children and families. Hear more from her about her work in her own words: 

Q: What drives you to work so hard to support kids and families in San Diego? 

A: I can’t think of a more important investment to make – of time, resources, and energy – than in children. It’s an investment that we know pays off economically and socially. Early learning and care programs and wrap-around services can help provide equitable access to a bright future for all children, while also supporting families toward their goals. I’m driven by the promise of what can be – strong and stable families, healthy and happy children, a thriving workforce, and a better future for all of us. 

Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of when it comes to childcare, kids and families? 

A: I’m incredibly proud to be a part of the early care and education community in San Diego. To reflect on the progress that’s been made over the years, in terms of increased resources, real attention to the issues, and strengthened collaboration, and to realize that I am part of that change is gratifying. There is much more work to do, but in San Diego we are all in, and great things are ahead for children, families, and the child care workforce! 

Tara, thank you for all that you do. I look forward to continuing our work together to support children and families in San Diego! 

We’ve got a lot of standup people in District 7, but one of the most inspiring people has to be Ray Lebron, a Tierrasanta man who has donated blood 190 times, totaling more than 33 gallons. According to the Union-Tribune, Lebron started giving blood after the horrific 1984 McDonalds mass shooting in San Ysidro, and he's been an active blood donor and volunteer ever since.

Lebron was inducted into the Fresenius Kabi National Blood Donation Hall of Fame this week for his efforts; you can read more about it in the Union-Tribune article here. Thank you Ray for your incredible service to people in need!