LACAVA'S COLUMN
September 2023 Edition
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CITY GEARS UP FOR FY2025 BUDGET: TAKE ACTION & SHARE YOUR PRIORITIES |
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We wrapped up the fiscal year for the City of San Diego's FY2024 Budget in June, and now we are beginning the annual budget process once more. On September 27th, I will submit my initial FY2025 (FY25) Budget Priority Memorandum to our Independent Budget Analyst (IBA), and I’m calling upon all District 1 residents, businesses, and organizations to join me in prioritizing crucial District 1 funding needs and projects.
Last year focused on getting “Back to Basics.” My goal was to fill over 2,000 vacant positions to deliver services at the levels you expect and need. I supported the final budget that locked in competitive salaries, allocated $140 million for road repairs throughout San Diego, fully funded the police department, and increased lifeguards at La Jolla Shores. I secured funding for improvements at the Carmel Valley Fire Station 47, and fully funded the repair of Marine III, an All-Hazards Response Marine Vessel equipped with marine firefighting, heavy towing, and search and rescue capabilities for our Lifeguards.
I call on you to share your FY25 budget priorities. Please submit to your D1 community representatives before September 25, 2023:
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Emily Lynch
Community Representative
La Jolla
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Karla Tirado
Community Representative
Pacific Beach
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Joaquin Quintero
Community Representative
Carmel Valley, Del Mar Mesa, San Dieguito, Torrey Hills
UC (West of I-5), Torrey Pines, Pacific Highlands Ranch, &
Del Mar Heights.
The City Council's FY25 Budget priorities will be heard at the Budget and Government Efficiency Committee on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. All essential budget process information and dates are available at the IBA's website: www.sandiego.gov/iba.
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LAUNCH OF FREE4ME PILOT PROGRAM & MENSTRUAL HYGIENE EQUITY DAY |
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I championed the City of San Diego's Free4Me Pilot Program, and secured funding to address inequity in the products provided in our city’s restrooms. To highlight the roll-out of dispensers and products at 48 city recreation centers and libraries, I presented the Council’s “Menstrual Hygiene Equity Day” proclamation to Planned Parenthood and Youth Will, who have been tireless advocates. This new program provides FREE feminine hygiene products (tampons and pads) at city-owned facilities such as libraries and recreation centers.
Nearly two-thirds of low-income menstruating people in the U.S. face financial barriers in obtaining essential menstrual products. I will advocate for expanding the Free4Me Pilot Program in the FY25 Budget.
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DISTRICT 1 UNITES TO GET COBBLESTONES CLEARED OFF TORREY PINES PEDESTRIAN RAMP |
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Residents and state parks staff alerted me that winter storm waves deposited cobblestones and covered the city's pedestrian ramp situated just behind Lifeguard Tower 5 at Torrey Pines State Beach. The ramp serves as a popular link, connecting Low Bridge to N. Torrey Pines Road. It is a key accessible ramp in the community that many enjoy using, and it is important to keep it accessible to all users.
In response to this major issue, my office worked to prioritize the safety and convenience for everyone who uses it by initiating an expedited coordinated effort with city staff to remove the cobblestones, ensuring people can use it with ease.
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ENHANCING SAFETY: NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH SIGNS DONATED TO LA JOLLA ALTA COMMUNITY
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Neighborhood Watch signs not only serve as a symbol of a community working together but also as a great way to promote awareness and deter potential wrongdoers. I donated new Neighborhood Watch signs to support La Jolla Alta in their efforts. I support our dedicated volunteers, Neighborhood Watch, and the San Diego Police Department in their community efforts. |
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HALFWAY THERE: PACIFIC HIGHLANDS RANCH LIBRARY ON FAST TRACK FOR COMPLETION IN FALL 2024 |
The Pacific Highlands Ranch Library project is currently halfway to completion, marking a significant milestone in the construction timeline. With the final completion projected for the Fall of 2024, the project team is ahead of schedule. This building is unique as the city’s first all-electric library, moving us a step toward reducing our carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly infrastructure.
Upon completion, the library will be a dynamic hub for the Pacific Highlands Ranch community, fostering learning, creativity, and community engagement. It symbolizes our investment in the future and our residents by providing a modern, eco-conscious space for education and recreation. We are not only building a library; we're #gettingitdone.
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JOIN SDCP POWER100 CHAMPIONS AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE |
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In my role as the Chair of San Diego Community Power, I hosted a celebration at Petco Park, recognizing the commitment of Power100 Champions. Power100 Champions are San Diego businesses that have chosen to subscribe to San Diego Community Power’s premium service level, which is 100% renewable energy sourced from wind and solar. Petco Park served as a fitting venue for the event as the first National Major League Ballpark to operate entirely on 100% clean energy. If your local organization or business seeks to reduce your carbon footprint, then I urge you to join the ranks of SDCP Power100 Champions.
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CALIFORNIA CLEAN AIR DAY WELCOMES THE RETURN OF FREE RIDE DAY |
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On Wednesday, October 4, all public transit rides will be free on MTS buses, the Trolley, SPRINTER, and COASTER. Free Ride Day is held in conjunction with the State of California’s Clean Air Day, where residents across California take steps to reduce emissions and improve air quality. Riders will not need a PRONTO card or valid fare for either system that day. To plan a trip on transit, visit the MTS or NCTD websites and use their Trip Planner tools.
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COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES |
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Constituent services are 'Job One' in my council office. Team LaCava representatives attend your community’s monthly meetings and are your link to City staff and issue resolution. You are always welcome and encouraged to reach out to us from anywhere in the District or the City.
Venessa Jackson will direct your call to the staff best suited to respond to your issue.
Vicky Joes, Chief of Staff
Emily Lynch, Community Representative
La Jolla
Karla Tirado, Community Representative
Pacific Beach
Joaquin Quintero, Community Representative
Carmel Valley, Del Mar Mesa, Del Mar Heights, Torrey Hills, Torrey Pines, University City, and Pacific Highlands Ranch.
To stay up-to-date on all District 1 news and updates, please follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. To ensure you receive our occasional updates, sign up here.
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