Hello District 5 Neighbors!

I hope you all are having a wonderful holiday season and end of the year festivities.

These last few months of 2021 have been filled with community events and celebrations- and last month marked one year since the day I was sworn in to represent you on the San Diego City Council!

As I look back on my first year representing District 5, I am proud of the progress we have made in the face of the historic public health and economic crisis the entire world has endured. Right after entering office, it was crucial that we immediately streamline the City’s COVID-19 response and recovery, and we did just that. As Co-Chair of the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Committee I look forward to continuing this work as well as continuing to provide oversight and ensure recovery funds are distributed to those in need.

This year my office has made progress on senior and affordable housing, increased wildfire preparedness, pushed to fund and make progress on the City’s infrastructure needs, and passed legislation to protect our communities from gun violence. I am most proud of my first piece of legislation I authored, the Eliminate Non-Serialized Untraceable Firearms (ENUF) Ordinance, which protects our communities from gun violence by cracking down on the proliferation "ghost guns." It was past time to close the "ghost gun" loophole and I am thankful that my colleagues acted swiftly to stand with me and pass the ENUF Ordinance to protect our communities. 

Marni von Wilpert reflects on first year on San Diego City Council

Going into the new year, my office is actively working on solutions to address skyrocketing teenage addiction to nicotine we are seeing in our City. After hearing from parents groups, community members, doctors and nurses, school board members, and teachers throughout our neighborhoods about the alarming rise in teen nicotine addiction, my office is looking to take quick action in the new year to curb this disturbing trend.

It is such an honor and a privilege to serve my hometown on the City Council and make positive change for our communities. I am thankful every day for the opportunity to serve and I am looking forward to another productive year ahead!

Sincerely,

Councilmember Marni von Wilpert
MarnivonWilpert@sandiego.gov

COVID-19 Update

Vaccination and Boosters

As the Omicron variant is surging around the world, the CDC is urging all eligible residents to immediately get vaccinated if you haven't already, and get your booster shot as soon as you are able. 

Click here for San Diego County Vaccination sites.

For the latest on the Omicron variant, click here.

Housing Stability Assistance Program

The City of San Diego COVID-19 Housing Stability Assistance Program helps to pay past-due, unpaid rent and utilities for individuals and families with low income in the City of San Diego who experience financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To apply for help with rent and mortgage relief or eviction protection due to COVID-19 call 211 or reach out to the City of San Diego’s San Diego Housing Commission at the link here.

Applications for Business and Non-Profit Assistance Funds Still Open

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. 

Apply for relief here. 

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

The California Department of Public Health announced that starting Dec. 15, everyone will need to wear a face covering in all indoor public settings, whether you've been vaccinated or not.

The CDC is also recommending wearing a mask outdoors in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated.

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).

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

FEMA is still 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. 

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.

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City Hall Update

Drugged and Drunk Driving Prevention Month

I was honored to introduce a resolution proclaiming December as Drugged and Drunk Driving Prevention Month in the City of San Diego.

San Diego County prosecutors and law enforcement officials report that 35 people have died in DUI crashes as of October 2021, making it the worst year in San Diego County in more than two decades.

December is National Impaired Driving Prevention month to bring awareness to steps we can take to improve safety on our streets and raise awareness of the preventable dangers of distracted driving, drugged driving, and drunk driving.

City of San Diego Employee Vaccine Requirement

The City Council voted to enact a City of San Diego wide vaccination mandate for all of their employees. This is a critical step in the fight to keep the dedicated City employees healthy and able to perform their duties to serve San Diego residents and keeping our communities safe.

The mandate also applies to new hires, elected officials, board members and other volunteers. City contractors who work indoors will be required to be fully vaccinated by Jan. 3 or comply with any rules set by their employers.

Read more here.

2022 City Council Committee Assignments

I am proud to serve again as Chair of the Committee on Active Transportation and Infrastructure, where I am focused on improving the way the City addresses our infrastructure needs. I am looking forward to a number of priority projects in District 5 including the completion of Fairbrook Neighborhood Park and the start of construction of the Black Mountain Ranch Fire Station. Ensuring an effective street repair program citywide is one of my top priorities. The upcoming street condition assessment, that I advocated for in last year’s budget, will help ensure our City uses a data driven approach to our street repair program. I am also committed to providing oversight and finding solutions to improving our City’s street light program that has struggled with prolonged delays for many years.

I will also continue to serve on the Committee on Environment and the Committee on Public Safety and Livable Neighborhoods and continuing the progress we made last year.

Republic Services Trash Hauler Labor Strike

Residents and businesses in the City of San Diego affected by private trash hauler Republic Services’ labor dispute are being advised to contact the company directly to request collection service. Republic has set up an email account specifically to address individual pick-up requests by customers whose trash is piling up during the worker strike: CustomerServiceSD@RepublicServices.com

The City of San Diego’s Environmental Services Department provides waste-collection services to most single-family residences, but businesses, multifamily residences and private streets in the City are serviced by private franchise waste haulers, including Republic Services. For nearly two weeks, Republic Services sanitation drivers have been on strike over an ongoing dispute with company management regarding pay and working conditions. 

The City is examining its franchise agreement with Republic Services to determine what remedies are available in the contract to address illegal trash pileup and other impacts of the ongoing strike.  

In the Community

San Diego Fire Rescue Foundation Service Awards

I had the privilege of attending the 2021 San Diego Fire Rescue Foundation Service Awards Honoree Luncheon! First responders, and those civilians who have performed heroic acts, were honored for putting their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe.

San Diego Fire Department Academy 92nd Class Graduation

It was such a honor to address the 92nd graduating class from the San Diego Fire Department Academy. Thank you to all the recruits who are dedicating their lives to protect the residents of San Diego. Click here to listen to a clip of my address.

Rancho Bernardo Veterans Day Ceremony

My office was honored to attended the Rancho Bernardo Veterans Memorial Association’s Veterans Day Ceremony to honor our District 5 veterans. Thank you to all of our residents who have served.

Hindu Americans of San Diego Diwali Festival 

My office was thrilled to attend the Diwali Festival hosted by the Hindu Americans of San Diego! Our diversity is our greatest strength and I am so proud of our community for coming together to celebrate different cultures. And the dance troops were amazing!

District 5 Athlete Spotlight

Athlete shoutout!! Three former District 5 athletes, Lucas Johnson, Matt Araiza, and Tah'jai Sullivan played huge roles leading the San Diego State University Aztecs football team to complete the first 12-win season in school history! Mt Carmel alum Lucas Johnson led the way with 348 yards and 4 touchdowns. District 5 is so proud of them!

Trans Day 0f Remembrance

I was honored to commemorate Trans Day of Remembrance at the County of San Diego lighting ceremony with my former 6th grade teacher, Judy Ki! Trans rights are human rights, and everyone has the right to be who they are without fear of discrimination or violence.

Trolley Extension Opening

It was so great to be at the San Diego MTS Blue Line Mid-Coast Trolley extension opening with my fellow councilmembers and regional transit leaders! This extension is an important step in meeting our regional climate action goals.

MCAS Miramar Base Tour

Last month, MCAS Miramar Commanding Officer Col. Thomas Bedell welcomed my office for a tour. We discussed the partnership between Miramar and the City, wildfire preparedness, and the extensive investment the Marines have been making into climate & energy resiliency. Everyday I am thankful for our military service members and their families, especially those who call San Diego home.

World AIDS Day

I was honored to join my Council colleagues for the 30th annual Mama's Kitchen San Diego Tree of Life Ceremony to commemorate World AIDS Day. This event recognizes those we’ve lost and advocates for reducing the stigma for the estimated 38 million people living with HIV/AIDS. 

Mama's Kitchen

My team and I joined Mama's Kitchen to deliver meals to neighbors with critical illnesses. Mama’s Kitchen provides nutritional support to San Diego residents at risk of malnutrition due to critical illness such as HIV, cancer, congestive heart failure and type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Together with hundreds of volunteers, businesses, and community supporters, Mama’s Kitchen helps their clients stay healthy, preserve their dignity, and keep their families together by providing, medically tailored home-delivered meals, along with pantry services and nutrition education – all at no cost.

Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony

I was honored to host leaders from Chabad Jewish Centers of San Diego County for a Hanukkah menorah lighting ceremony at City Hall! Special thank you to the students of the Chabad Hebrew Academy for your wonderful holiday songs.

San Diego Peace Corps Association Holiday Party

I had a great time at the San Diego Peace Corps Association holiday party! Peace Corps volunteers promote peace and friendship around the world and I'm proud to be among their ranks. 

San Diego 350 Volunteer Appreciation Party

It was great to join San Diego 350 at their volunteer appreciation party! There are so many amazing individuals advocating for the environmental health of San Diego and I'm proud to support them.

Taste of December Nights

I had a fantastic time with my mom at the Taste of December Nights in Balboa Park! Thank you to all the volunteers who made this safe holiday event happen. 

Scripps Ranch Tree Lighting

I was thrilled to join the Mayor in Scripps Ranch for our Holiday Tree Lighting! Thank you to Girl Scouts Troop 3958 for organizing such a great community event.

Path Partners and Urban Angels SD

I had a fantastic time volunteering for Path Partners and Urban Angels SD with Supervisor Terra Lawson Remer! I am so thankful for all of the work that PATH and Urban Angels do to help our residents in need.

Donation Drive

A special thank you to the San Diego County Lodging Association for organizing a Luncheon Donation Drive with Father Joes Village and the San Diego Alpha Project. Great to join them for this amazing event.

San Diego Airport Terminal 1 Groundbreaking

I joined local and State leaders as well as my colleagues on the San Diego Airport Authority for the groundbreaking of the San Diego Airport’s new Terminal 1! The new terminal includes bolstered sustainability measures to help our tourism industry transition into the future.

Cub Scouts Pack 624

Earlier this month I had a great time hanging out with Cub Scouts Pack 624. It is so exciting to have so many bright, young people in our communities!

Labor Council Food and Toy Drive

It was an honor and a privilege to participate in the San Diego Labor Council
Annual Food & Toy drive. We were able to distribute meals and toys to many families! 

Support The Enlisted Project Toy Drive

Last week I joined Team STEP USA for their Sharing The Joy event to hand out gifts to service members! Members and their families create wish lists that are matched with community members who purchase the gifts which are then distributed. The support from the community was so amazing!

Carmel Mountain Ranch Holiday Block Party

Thank you to Carmel Mountain Ranch and the Edelman family for hosting us for their Holiday Block Party. I had such a wonderful time meeting the neighborhood, roasting marshmallows, and enjoying the amazing Holiday lights!

Your Safe Place Holiday Party

A huge thank you to Your Safe Place for having me at their Holiday Party. I am incredibly humbled by the work San Diego Family Justice Center Foundation does to help families and survivors of domestic violence have a happy and healthy holiday.

Announcements

SDTA Tourism Accelerator Pilot Program

The San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) launched a new tourism accelerator pilot program-- one of the first in the country-- that is designed to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the local tourism industry by providing free membership, mentoring, education and networking opportunities to businesses owned by people of color, LGBTQ+, women and veterans.

Bank of America and San Diego Gas & Electric are the co-sponsors of the pilot program, which will offer participants a suite of services valued at over $10,000, including:

- Complimentary Membership in SDTA and free admission to select SDTA events as well as special access to SDTA senior staff, board members and program investors.
- Coaching from a dedicated mentor who is a successful operator or owner of a tourism or hospitality business.
- Financial coaching from Bank of America and legal training from Procopio.
- $500 voucher for a course through UC San Diego Extension.
- A $1,000 credit to use on SDTA’s digital advertising platforms.
- Two free quarter-page ads in both the San Diego Business Journal and San Diego - Magazine for those businesses that are not already advertisers.

The San Diego Foundation Launched Black Homebuyers Program

The San Diego Black Homebuyers program is supporting Black, low-to-medium income families and individuals with up to $70,000 toward a down payment and/or closing costs on a first home purchase. The goal is to build generational wealth among Black families in San Diego to create stronger and more equitable communities in San Diego. This initial pledge of $1 million is seeded by The San Diego Foundation Black Community Investment Fund, along with administrative funding from the County of San Diego, through the office of Board of Supervisors Chair, Nathan Fletcher. 

Households looking for affordable housing in the City of San Diego can find helpful information about locations, such as their proximity to transit and schools, on a new online tool the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) created and launched today on its website. The Affordable Housing Dashboard is available on SDHC’s website, www.sdhc.org, in the “Housing Opportunities” section under the heading “Affordable Rentals” on the pages “Rent from SDHC” and “SDHC Partnership Developments.”

Workforce Partnership Launched Layoff Support Services

Navigating layoffs is never easy, but the Workforce Partnership is offering support with funding and assistance to avoid layoffs and assist laid off employees. Give them a call at (619) 228-2900 and press 4 to learn more.

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.

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.