Hello District 5 Neighbors!

I hope you are having a fantastic summer here in beautiful San Diego. It has been so great to attend community events in every neighborhood in the District for the first time in over a year and a half. We really do live in the best district in San Diego!

As the City Council goes on legislative recess, I am proud of the work we have done to improve the lives of San Diegans. We've invested in improved homeless outreach services, taken action on gun violence prevention, supported affordable housing projects and more. I look forward to continuing to deliver on the promises I made when I was running to represent you on the City Council.

Unfortunately, in San Diego and around the country, there is a surge of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths again in what is being called a "pandemic of the unvaccinated." In honor of Vaccine Awareness Month, I encourage everyone to speak to medical professionals to learn the benefits and safety of the Covid-19 vaccine. Getting the shot can save you and loved ones from a preventable death, and help us get back to normal sooner. 

San Diego City Council Approves the ENUF Ordinance to Crack Down on Gun Violence

In response to the San Diego Police Department's report showing the sharp increase in the number of "ghost guns" in San Diego, I introduced the Eliminate Non-Serialized Untraceable Firearms (ENUF) Ordinance to crack down on the proliferation "ghost guns" in our City. The ENUF Ordinance will prohibit the possession, purchase, sale, receipt, and transportation of non-serialized firearms & firearm parts within San Diego. The goal of the Ordinance is to stop unserialized firearm kits at the source and prevent them from getting to San Diego in the first place.

It was past time to close the "ghost gun" loophole and earlier this week, the City Council took action and the ENUF Ordinance is one step closer to becoming the law in San Diego! Allowing the sale of untraceable firearms to go unchecked is unacceptable and I am proud that the City of San Diego acted swiftly to protect our communities. 

To listen to details of the new ordinance click here.

Finally, I would like to dedicate this month’s newsletter to the District 5 Olympians who are competing in Tokyo right now! Xander Schauffele, a Scripps Ranch High School graduate, won the gold medal in golf and Jessica Valente is bringing home a bronze medal from the cycling women's team pursuit. Your hometown is so proud of you both!

Sincerely,

Councilmember Marni von Wilpert
MarnivonWilpert@sandiego.gov

COVID-19 Update

San Diego City Council Approves $10 Million in Business and Non-Profit Assistance Funds

The City of San Diego voted to create a $12 million COVID-19 relief fund in partnership with the San Diego Foundation. This fund will support the businesses and nonprofits in the industries hardest hit by the pandemic and historically underinvested communities to help in their ability to sustain operations, retain employees, and address other impacts caused by COVID-19. 

Read more information here.

CDC Recommends Mask Wearing in Areas of High COVID-19 Spread

The CDC is recommending using a face mask indoors if:

- You are fully vaccinated but you are in an area of high COVID-19 spread                    - You are not fully vaccinated and aged 2 or older
- You have a condition or are taking medications that weakens your immune system and may NOT be protected even if you are fully vaccinated 

They are also recommending wearing a mask outdoors in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated in areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases.

Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is still required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and while indoors at U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and train stations. Travelers are not required to wear a mask in outdoor areas of a conveyance (like on open deck areas of a ferry or the uncovered top deck of a bus).

More information here.

California Extends Eviction Moratorium to September 30th and Provides $5 Billion in Rent Relief

As a reminder, California passed Assembly Bill 832 which extended the current eviction moratorium until September 30th and will ensure the state quickly uses the more than $5 billion in federal rental assistance to help tenants and small landlords and protect vulnerable households from eviction.

Landlords and tenants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are eligible for 100% of their back rent covered under the bill. Click here for more information.

In the COVID-19 Response & Recovery Committee, we encouraged the San Diego Housing Commission to advocate to the State for 100% reimbursements for landlords and tenants. This will decrease the number of people facing eviction and ensure landlords are paid.

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

As a reminder, 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.

City of San Diego Economic Assistance Resource Website

The City of San Diego Economic Development Department established a comprehensive list of available financial relief for businesses impacted by COVID-19. 

Click here for resources.

San Diego Workforce Partnership Resources

The San Diego Workforce Partnership released a resource guide for navigating a safe reopening as well as human resources support. Click here for more information.

They also received a two-year grant of $1.5 million from The James Irvine Foundation to fund CyberHire San Diego—a movement that aims to increase the number of unemployed, underemployed and low-wage workers in quality cybersecurity careers. Click here for more information.

San Diego County Vaccination Progress

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

When Can I get My Vaccine?

Any resident 12 years and older are eligible to be vaccinated, and no appointment is necessary at County vaccination sites. Residents age 12 and older can either make an appointment or walk-up (as supply lasts) to receive a vaccine.

Click here to sign-up for an appointment.

City Hall Update

San Diego City Council Approved $293 Million for Critical Infrastructure Projects 

This week, the San Diego City Council approved $293 million for critical infrastructure projects across the city, including major road repairs and park improvements. The largest chunk is headed to public safety with $56.4 million to replace emergency radio equipment as well as $41.3 million for 34 heavy-duty fire trucks that have exceeded their useful life.

Environmental services will receive $50.3 million, intended to allow the city to implement a new refuse and recycling collection system to comply with state requirements to recycle organic waste. Stormwater's $49.6 million seeks to restore funding for the city's aging stormwater infrastructure, which faces a backlog of over a billion dollars over the next five years, according to a city report. 

You can read more here.

San Diego Sports Arena Declared "Surplus Land" by City Council

The City Council voted on Tuesday to declare the San Diego Sports Arena redevelopment area as “surplus land,” beginning the process to correct a previous real estate deal which failed to prioritize affordable housing in the development of the property.

After the state Department of Housing and Community Development released its final guidelines for the Surplus Land Act in April, we requested a review of the Sports Arena development plan. HCD concluded the city may be in violation of the SLA because it did not properly follow the act’s declaration and noticing procedures.

Declaring the Sports Arena as surplus land and revitalizing this area to include affordable housing is crucial to address San Diego's housing crisis.

Outdoor Dining and Retail Space Operating Permits Extended Until July 13, 2022

The City Council voted to support the extension of outdoor operating permits for San Diego businesses until July 2022. These permits were a lifeline for businesses during the pandemic and while we are still dealing with the public health crisis, it is crucial businesses have the help they need to survive. The economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are still going to take time to recover from and allowing businesses to expand their footprint is critical for their survival.

The city is also looking at possibly allowing outdoor spaces to become permanent through a program called Spaces as Places — though many of the details remain to be finalized. 

Read more here.

In the Community

Wildfire Safety Workshop

Last month, my office hosted a Wildfire Safety Workshop along with the San Diego Fire Department, CalFire, the San Diego Police Department, San Diego Gas & Electric, the California Insurance Commissioner's office, and Congressman Scott Peters. I was happy I was able to help prepare our community for the ever worsening fire season.

You can listen to the workshop here.

Pride Kickoff

Last month was San Diego's LGBTQ+ pride month! On July 11th I attended the San Diego Pride’s Resilient Community March. On July 13th myself, my colleagues, and the mayor attended San Diego’s Pride Kickoff in Balboa Park. I was so glad that we as a City could come together to support our City’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community. 

Gun Violence Awareness Month Proclamation

Councilmembers Joe LaCava, Raul Campillo, and I proclaimed June as Gun Violence Awareness Month in the City of San Diego. In recognition of and to commemorate their efforts to prevent gun violence, we presented the proclamation to San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention! San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention works tirelessly to advocate for policy changes to keep our communities safe and I thank them for their efforts.

Meeting with Attorney General Rob Bonta

On July 13th, I met with California Attorney General Bonta and we spoke about the great need for gun violence prevention action at every level of government. It's amazing to have an Attorney General who has invested in a renewed focus on tackling gun violence in California.

Welcoming the Indian Ambassador to San Diego

On July 15th, I met his excellency Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu of India! Ambassador Sandhu spoke of the growing partnership between the United States and India as the world’s two largest democracies. The ambassador also spoke of the strength and importance of the United States and District Five’s Indian community! It has been so great to get to know the local Indian community and I thank them for inviting me to this event with them.

Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club

I was honored to be invited to speak at the Rancho Bernardo Rotary club! I gave an update on the issues facing our city and I can’t wait to come and speak again.

Reopening the Ed Brown Center for Active Adults 

My community representative Eric Young had a wonderful time at the reopening of the Ed Brown Center for Active Adults. It was excellent to hear how excited people are to be together in person once again.

National Night Out

I was excited to participate in the 16th annual National Night Out “Scripps Ranch Style!" Scripps Ranch resident, Cheryl Shaw, has been organizing this event for 16 years and did a fantastic job again this year. A special thank you to Station 37 and Captain Holden with Northeastern Division! 

Announcements

Apply for the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority Advisory Committee

The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority is accepting applications to serve on the Authority’s Advisory Committee! The Committee was established to assist the Airport Authority Board in its responsibilities related to airport planning and development activities. The Committee serves as a sounding board and catalyst for the development of recommendations to the Airport Authority Board. 

Applications are due by 5:00PM on August 20, 2021 

To apply: (619) 400-2550 Email: clerk@san.org

San Diego Libraries Resumed In-Person Services at 26 Locations

Starting on July 6th, the San Diego public libraries resumed in-person services at 26 locations! Patrons can visit the 26 locations and browse through thousands of books, use computer and printing services, pick up holds, and renew their library cards!

Click here to find a location near you. 

City has $1 million in Unclaimed Funds Waiting for San Diegans

URGENT: As a reminder, anyone who has done business with the City of San Diego in the past three years, including paying business taxes or utility fees, could be owed money. Check amounts range from $1 to $35,000. 

To find out if you are owed money by the City of San Diego click here.

COX Communications Discount Program

In case you missed it- Cox Communications is participating in the $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program, which was approved as part of the federal stimulus package passed by Congress in December and launched officially on May 12, 2021.

This program will further assist qualified residents with accessing affordable internet. In a time where many are facing challenges due to the pandemic, Cox remains committed to keeping families and households connected to their loved-ones, friends, work and school.

Eligible households with active Cox service can receive up to $50 off their monthly internet service, including equipment rental costs. Mobile phone payment plans may also qualify for the subsidy. Qualifying households include those that suffered a loss of income due to furlough or unemployment or are enrolled in one or more eligible government assistance programs.

For more information about the EBB program, click here.

Active duty military families: Are you interested in learning more, and exploring more, in Balboa Park?

While supplies last, the free Military Appreciation Pass (MAP) program is still open to active duty families in San Diego County. Interested families may apply to receive the annual Balboa Park Explorer pass. Pass recipients receive free general admission to 16 museums, and the MAP program is a wonderful way for families new to the area to explore all that Balboa Park has to offer. Active duty families and individuals interested in the program (first-time applicants only) may email map@bpcp.org to be placed on the waiting list and to ask any questions.

(Note: The San Diego Zoo is not included. Due to limited quantities, this program is open only to active duty families and individuals with a San Diego County mailing address. If you have previously had the free passes, we are not able to provide them for a second year.) 

Thank you for your service!

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.