Hello District 5 Neighbors-

In March, we passed the 1 year anniversary since the first COVID-19 case was reported in San Diego. While we reflect on the challenges we have faced and remember the lives we have lost, I am filled with hope that we will get through this crisis stronger than we were before. 

Vaccinations continue to increase as we approach an important milestone of almost 1 million San Diegans receiving at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. San Diego’s Vaccine Super Stations, pharmacies, hospitals, and local community centers have been extremely effective in getting shots in the arms of San Diegans and I continue to be so proud of the work that our first responders are doing. I want to again thank all our partners, healthcare workers, and first responders who have done a fantastic job getting these programs up and running.

As we to move into the less restrictive tiers, I look forward to returning to in-person meetings and events throughout the District! Last week I visited Rancho Bernardo and thanked the San Diego Firefighters at Station 33 for their hard work, toured the great facilities maintenance work being done at the Rec Center, and volunteered with Meals on Wheels to deliver meals to vulnerable seniors. I am so excited to be able to visit more communities in the coming months. If you have an event you would like me to attend, feel free to reach out to my office!

Adjournment in Memory 

At our last Council meeting, I adjourned the meeting in memory of Steve Pirolli and his 13-year-old son Stephen Pirolli Jr., who tragically passed away in a car accident while they were leaving Stephen Jr.’s baseball practice. 

Steve Pirolli was an 18 year Rancho Bernardo resident and a former college baseball player for Southwestern College and the University of the Pacific in Stockton. Stephen Jr. was an eighth grader at Rancho Bernardo Heights Middle School and loved pitching and playing 2nd base on his local baseball team. When he grew up, he wanted to be a professional baseball player.

Stephen Jr.’s favorite baseball player was Bryce Harper, collecting his jersey and even getting the same haircut as Bryce. He really was Bryce Harper’s #1 fan!

Their loss is terrible and devastating to the community, both of them were well loved by their family, teammates and neighbors. Steve and Stephen Jr. Pirolli are survived by mother and wife Lorie Pirolli and half-sister Jazmin. They will be forever loved and missed.

EVENT: Meet The Mayor- Hosted With Councilmember von Wilpert

On Saturday, April 10th at 10:00am, Mayor Todd Gloria and Councilmember von Wilpert will be co-hosting a virtual community town hall in District 5! This will be a great opportunity to hear an update about the City and issues impacting District 5, while getting answers to the questions on your mind. Please share with anyone else who may be interested in attending the virtual town hall. Once you RSVP, the Zoom link and instructions will be emailed to you prior to the event. 

To RSVP and submit your questions click here.

City Hall Update

COVID-19 Response and Recovery Committee

I spoke with NBC7’s Politically Speaking about the newly formed COVID-19 Response and Recovery Committee prior to our first meeting. You can watch the interview here.

Call For the Full Funding of the Gun Violence Restraining Order Program

The recent mass shootings in our community have highlighted more than ever the immediate need to act to protect our communities from gun violence. In San Diego, Gun Violence Restraining Orders are an effective life-saving tool to prevent predictable acts of gun violence.  That’s why I am calling for the full funding of the GVRO program for the next fiscal year as well as proactively pursue additional funding from the State of California.

Sign the petition to show your support here.

City Councilmembers Propose Bringing Life-Saving Device to San Diego

Councilmembers Chris Cate and I sent a shared letter to the Commissioners of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority requesting a partnership with the American Heart Association to place a Hands-Only CPR kiosk at the San Diego International Airport. Read the full letter here.

San Diego Community Power Comes Online

San Diego Community Power is officially up and running. This is a great first step towards achieving 100% renewable energy for our City. As our region’s first community choice energy provider, SDCP will supply clean, renewable energy at competitive rates. Special thank you to Councilmember Montgomery Steppe for her leadership in getting this project off the ground!

City of San Diego Digitized Photo Archives

Check out the City Clerk's new Historical Photos Digital Archives! There are so many amazing photos of San Diego, including this photo of the single terminal at the San Diego Airport in 1932. See the full archive here.

San Diego Gas and Electric Franchise Priority Memo

San Diego City Councilmembers sent memos with their priorities for the new gas and electric franchise agreements to Mayor Todd Gloria. Some of my priorities include:

• A commitment to help reach our climate goals
• Protections for ratepayers
• Wildfire prevention and protection plans

COVID-19 Update 

American Rescue Plan

The $1.9 Trillion American Rescue Plan is now law and much needed relief is finally on its way. The $306 million dollars coming to the City of San Diego is essential to address our budget deficit and allow us to continue providing core government services to residents. The White House has launched a new website to breakdown the legislation here.

Mayor Todd Gloria outlined the following funding priorities for the City of San Diego: 

• Ensure COVID-19 vaccinations go to communities of concern to create a more equitable recovery;
• Protect core services and address the City’s immediate budget crisis; closing these gaps will preserve jobs, avoid salary cuts, and ensure employees will continue providing vital services to San Diegans;
• Equip San Diegans for a better tomorrow - use funds to create a foundation for long-term stability for the City and its residents. 

U.S. Small Business Administration Extends Payment Protection Program (PPP Loan) Application Period

The Federal Small Business Administration has extended the deadline to apply for small business loans through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) until May 31st. 

This program provides small businesses and non-profits with fewer than 20 employees with fee-free federally-backed loans. Expenses related to payroll, rent, and operations expenditures can be forgiven, meaning many of the loans will convert into grants from the federal government. Find additional information here.

Governor Newsom Allocates $6.6 Billion to Open Schools

On March 5th, Governor Newsom signed a $6.6 billion package to accelerate the safe return to in-person instruction across California. This additional funding supports safety measures for in-person instruction and expands learning opportunities such as summer school, tutoring, and mental health services.  

This legislation also allocated 10 percent of the State’s vaccine supply to education staff and strengthened school data reporting requirements.   

FEMA is Providing Financial Assistance for COVID-19 Related Funeral Costs

FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020 under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. FEMA will begin accepting applications this month. If you were impacted by COVID-19 funeral expenses, we encourage you to keep and gather documentation.  Types of documents include: an official death certificate and funeral expenses (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.). For more information, please click here.

Business Loans Issued By City’s Economic Development Department

The City’s Economic Development Department (EDD) is still accepting applications to issue business loans ranging from $25,000 to $95,000 to struggling businesses as part of the CARES Act Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) with funding provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration. The non-forgivable, term loans are intended to help entrepreneurs adapt their business models to safely operate under pandemic restrictions while retaining or creating jobs. Businesses can check for eligibility and apply here. 

Apply Now for City of San Diego Rent and Utility Assistance Program

Have you or anyone you know been unable to pay rent or utilities due to COVID-19? Beginning on March 15, City of San Diego began accepting applications for COVID-19 rental and utility assistance through the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) Housing Stability Assistance Program. Tenants can apply for the program, OR a landlord can apply on behalf of a tenant. Those in need of assistance can apply here.

Small Business Outdoor Dining Grants for ADA Compliance

The City of San Diego is offering $3,000- $5,000 grants to help build decks and platforms for restaurants to comply with standards outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA.) Businesses located in low- and moderate-income areas and/or are owned by low- and moderate-income persons can be eligible for up to $5,000 in funding.

The grants may be used to cover the cost of labor and materials including ADA-compliant ramps, framing materials, railings, and hiring a civil or structural engineer to produce plans, among other allowable uses. The City will cover permitting fees until funds are depleted. 

For more information on the grant program and outdoor business operations, click here. 

San Diego County Vaccination Progress
                                       

Click here for a full breakdown of San Diego’s vaccination progression.

When Can I get My Vaccine?

Starting April 1st, the County opened up the next vaccination tier which includes general population 50 years of age and older in addition to all previous tiers. Starting on April 15, 2021, general population 16 years of age and older will be eligible to be vaccinated.

Click here to sign-up for an appointment.

Click here for a more comprehensive breakdown of when you can receive a vaccine. 

In the Community

City of San Diego Public Library Celebrates Black History Month 

As part of this years Black History Month celebration, the San Diego Public Library released a Black History Month library card. The special edition card was designed by District 5 resident 15-year-old Scripps Ranch High School student Sahithi Lingampalli. The design was chosen from dozens sent in by local students. It features the likenesses of Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis, basketball legend Kobe Bryant, Vice President Kamala Harris and tennis great Serena Williams.

Congratulations, Sahithi! 

March 8th- International Women’s Day

In recognition of International Women’s Day, my office highlighted District 5 native, Kelly Marie Tran, for becoming Disney's first Southeast Asian Princess in the new movie Raya and the Last Dragon! Representation matters.

Congratulations, Kelly!                 

March 9th- One Year COVID-19 Anniversary

My office took time to recognize the 1 year anniversary since the first COVID-19 case was reported in San Diego. We reflected on the challenges we have faced and remembered the almost 600,000 lives we have lost nationwide. But as vaccinations continue to increase, I am filled with hope that we will get through this crisis together as a City. 

March 16th- New Office Intern

Last week our office welcomed a new intern, Sam, who also volunteered for my campaign! I am so lucky to have such a talented intern in our office (virtually) and I am so appreciative of all his hard work. Welcome to City Hall, Sam!

March 20th- Food Drives

Peñasquitos Stake and Peñasquitos Town Council both hosted drive-thru Food Collection events in Rancho Peñasquitos and we collected over 5 trucks full of food that was donated to the San Diego Food Bank. Thank you to ALL of the volunteers, our hosts, and for all of our neighbors who showed up to make this happen. 

Special shout out to our Community Resource Officers who lent a hand as well!

March 22nd- Girl Scout Cookies!

It was so great to talk to District 5 resident, Madisyn, about what it's like to sell Girl Scout cookies during the pandemic. My office was MORE than happy to help her meet her goal of selling 1,000 boxes of cookies this cycle! Our offices favorite is Thin Mints.

I am so proud of my history with the Girl Scouts. From starting as a Brownie to earning my Girl Scout Gold Award, I have always been dedicated to the mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character. I'm continuing my service to the Girl Scouts by serving on its Gold Award Committee, and I recently spoke to other Girl Scouts earning their Democracy Badges! Here's to all the Scouts giving back to public service, I'm proud to be part of your rank.

March 24th- Vaccine Center Volunteering

Over the past week our staff has been volunteering at vaccine centers throughout the City as thousands of vaccinations were administered to San Diegans! We are so grateful for the care teams who are working around the clock to keep our communities safe. Mask-up, volunteer if you can, and get vaccinated when it's your turn!

March 24th- Volunteering with Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels San Diego invited me to volunteer for “Champions Week” and we delivered meals to District 5 seniors facing malnutrition and isolation, two of the biggest threats to the well-being of homebound seniors. This organization is so important for our communities, and I look forward to continuing to volunteer in the future.

March 25th- San Diego City Clerk Recognized

Congratulations to our wonderful San Diego City Clerk Elizabeth Maland for receiving the San Diego Downtown Partnership Government Partner of the Year Award! Thank you for your decades of public service, your ingenuity, and your patience during the pandemic to ensure accessibility for all San Diegans. 

March 26th- Stop Asian Hate Virtual Recognition Day

I was devastated by the mass shooting in Atlanta and while the investigation is still ongoing, we must stop horrific acts of gun violence, and I vehemently condemn the rise in racists attacks directed at members of the AAPI community. This cannot be ignored and must be stopped. I stood in solidarity with the AAPI community on a virtual day of action and healing because a crime against any community is a crime against us all. 

March 30th- National Doctors Day

I want to thank all the doctors who have been working tirelessly over the past year to keep us safe. Putting themselves in danger & sometimes being apart from their families for weeks at a time, doctors showed true heroism. Thank you, we will never forget.

March 30th- César Chávez Day

On César Chávez Day, we celebrated the life of an historic labor leader and workers' rights advocate whose commitment to forming a union, to organizing, and to empowering workers will never be forgotten. We will continue his legacy to demand dignity and respect for all.

Announcements

Independent Budget Analyst is Hosting a Crash Course on the City’s Budget Process

The Fiscal Year 2022 budget season is around the corner! Learn about the City's budget process, how resources are allocated, and how you can get involved by participating in the IBA forum on the City's budget process. 
                                                          

                                               When: April 8th at 5:00pm 

                                   Register here: http://bit.ly/IBACrashCourse

Office of Race and Equity

The Human Resources Department is excited to announce applications are now being accepted for the new Chief Race and Equity Officer position. Interested candidates should be sent to Brett Byers at brett@thehawkinscompany.com

Details can be found here.

Staying Up to Date

To stay up to date with real-time news and updates, make sure you follow me on my social media pages. 

Twitter: @marnivonwilpert

Facebook: @councilmembermarnivonwilpert 

Instagram: @marnivonwilpert

Find contact information for District 5 staff here.