Hello District 5 Neighbors!

I hope you all are staying safe and healthy.

Last week, I joined Mayor Todd Gloria and my fellow Councilmembers to announce the revival of the Commission on the Status of Women! Gender equality is a basic human right. Yet gender based discrimination and violence are still prevalent here, and all over the world. While every generation of women has been better off than the last, domestic violence and sex trafficking happen every day here in San Diego. Even though we have made great strides in combating violence against women, we need to do more. In addition, a comprehensive pay equity study of San Diego’s city workforce released last year shows that women earn 17.6 percent less than men, and people of color earn 20.8 percent less than white employees.

My hope is that the next generation of girls will not have to fight for equal pay for equal work. That they will live in a world where they don’t fear violence. That we will live in a society that equally values their contributions and they receive the recognition and respect that they deserve. Re-establishing the Commission of Women is a great first step we can take to ensure a more equitable future for San Diego’s women. Until we achieve true equity for women in our country, it’s up to leaders at every level of government to act and I am proud that we as a City are recommitting to achieving gender equity here at home. This commission is tasked with ensuring that our City tackles local issues concerning women and girls- including looking at ways to eliminate inequities in our local laws and practices. I thank the new Commission members in advance for their hard work and dedication that they will put in to make our City a more equitable place.

San Diego Police Department Northeastern Division Renovations

Last weekend my office stopped by the San Diego Police Department Northeastern Division to see its first renovations and upgrades since it was built in 1988! My office donated funds from our Community Programs Projects and Services account for the renovation and it was so great to see it in action. A huge thank you to the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary for spearheading this effort, the Rock Church, as well as IBEW 569 and United Sparkies for completing the work, and all the community partners who made these upgrades possible!

Sincerely,

Councilmember Marni von Wilpert
MarnivonWilpert@sandiego.gov

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City Hall Update

Creation of Select Committee on San Diego Housing Commission Oversight and Reform

The City Council has created a temporary committee that will be responsible for potentially reforming the San Diego Housing Commission, the agency created by the City to handle its low-income housing services, following a tough year for the agency. I am honored to have been selected for this new select committee and look forward to working with my colleagues to strengthen our Housing Commission to better serve our most vulnerable residents.

Read more about the new Committee here.

March 1, 2022 Declared #AfghanEvac Day

I was very proud and honored to bring a proclamation forward to proclaim March 1 as #AfghanEvac Day in the City of San Diego. In August 2021, San Diego Convention Center Board Member Shawn VanDiver established the #AfghanEvac Coalition to unite disparate volunteer groups and organizations already working to evacuate Afghans following the fall of Kabul and withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan. Composed of veterans, frontline civilians, public servants, Afghans, and Americans across religious, political, and geographic boundaries, the #AfghanEvac Coalition is united in the shared commitment to help our Afghan allies who stood with Americans for twenty years through the longest conflict in US history.

The #AfghanEvac operations center was first established in City Council District 6 and then in City Council District 3, connecting volunteer and non-profit groups across the humanitarian aid and national security ecosystems to collaborate in service of keeping our promise to our Afghan allies. Today, the Coalition represents more than 170 organizations from around the world and works closely with the US Departments of State, Defense, Homeland Security, and Veterans Affairs, as well as the related White House teams in the West Wing, National Security Council, and Office of the First Lady.

Since August 2021, more than 88,000 Afghans have arrived in the United States, with 2,800 of those Afghans resettling here in the San Diego region. Organizations within the #AfghanEvac Coalition have safely evacuated thousands of Afghans since September 2021 and the Coalition has distributed more than $1,000,000 in direct aid to Afghans arriving in the US via a microgrant partnership with Globally.

The #AfghanEvac coalition members from San Diego have played an outsized role in this global effort to honor the promise made by our nation to our wartime allies in Afghanistan and I am so proud to be recognizing their efforts that has saved lives. It has been more than 6 months since the last US forces withdrew from Afghanistan and I am encouraged to know that organizations like #AfghanEvac are holding the line and working tirelessly to bring those who remain to safety.

Support for Small Businesses and Non-Profits

Mayor Todd Gloria announced an additional $6M in grants awarded to San Diego small businesses and non-profits to help recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The financial assistance is part of Mayor Gloria's "Back to Work SD" program, which allocated $10 million for small business and nonprofit grants. It's part of the City of San Diego's Small Business and Non-Profit Relief Fund program, in partnership with The San Diego Foundation.

As Co-Chair of the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Committee, I have seen first hand the struggles that San Diego's small businesses and non-profits are facing from COVID-19 related economic losses. I am grateful to the federal government in partnership with The San Diego Foundation for this desperately needed grant program for our hardest hit small businesses and non-profits.

San Diego Fire Department Hiring Dispatchers

The San Diego Fire Department is hiring dispatchers! This is a position that stays open in perpetuity and applicants can apply immediately by visiting the link below. We always need dispatchers!

Click here to apply.

COVID-19 Update

FDA Authorizes 2nd Booster COVID-19 Vaccines for Older and Immunocompromised Individuals

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized a second booster dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for older people and certain immunocompromised individuals. The FDA previously authorized a single booster dose for certain immunocompromised individuals following completion of a three-dose primary vaccination series. This action will now make a second booster dose of these vaccines available to other populations at higher risk for severe disease, hospitalization and death. Emerging evidence suggests that a second booster dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine improves protection against severe COVID-19 and is not associated with new safety concerns.

Read more here.

Low Transmission Rates in San Diego

The Centers for Disease Control latest data shows that San Diego is has moved into the Orange Tier with Low Transmission which means that there were less than 200 cases per 100,000 residents in the past 7 days and less than 10% occupancy and admissions in local hospitals. It is recommended that residents receive and COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot if you haven't already.

Valentines Day

I hope you all had a very Happy Valentines Day! My cats and District 5 mascots, Jackson and Berkeley, hope you all felt loved. ❤️��❤️

25th Anniversary for Peace Corps in South Africa

Wishing a happy 25th anniversary to the Peace Corps for their service in South Africa! In the early 2000s, I served as a social worker in neighboring Botswana, where I assisted families affected by HIV and AIDS. My experience in the Peace Corps helped shape the goals and values I hold today.

Lunar New Year Lunch

Enjoyed a late-Lunar New Year lunch with my team! It’s always fun when we get to hang out with my 6th grade teacher and long-time friend Judy Ki. Thank you so much Dr. Allen Chan Jasmine Seafood for the amazing meal!

Mostra Coffee

Had to stop by Mostra Coffee for some much needed fuel! Mostra is owned and operated by native San Diegans! They have two locations in District 5, Carmel Mountain Ranch and 4S Ranch, and one in Bankers Hill. Special thank you to Journey, manager of the CMR location.

Point in Time Count

My office participated in the annual Regional Task Force on Homelessness Point in Time count to record accurate numbers of unhoused San Diegans. This is critical to receive proper Department of Housing and Urban Development funding and resources. Thank you to all of the organizers and volunteers who executed this important work.

Assembly Bill #2239

I joined San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliot and Mayor Todd Gloria to support AB2239, Assemblymember Brian Maienschein’s bill to prevent those who abuse a child or an elderly person from accessing a firearm. We need every level of government to act to stop gun violence. Thank you Assemblymember Maienschein for your leadership!

Fentanyl Roundtable

At a Fentanyl Policy Roundtable, I joined numerous local, state, and federal representatives and organizations in the fight against opioid addiction. We need a swift and coordinated response by every level of government to prevent fentanyl driven overdoses.

Laywers Club of San Diego

Was proud to attend the Laywers Club of San Diego's 50th Anniversary Exhibit Opening at the San Diego History Center. Celebrating 50 years of women's leadership in the law, including our own City Attorney, Mara Elliot!

Quinton Grounds 5 Years of Service

Congratulations to my amazing staff member Quinton Grounds on 5 years of service at the City of San Diego! Quinton is beloved by the constituents he represents and has a wealth of City knowledge that is invaluable to our office!

Meals on Wheels

My office was in Rancho Bernardo assist again with Meals on Wheels! Our seniors have been some of the most affected by the pandemic, and Meals on Wheels does a great job of bringing food and human interaction right to their doors. Huge thank you to all the volunteers!

Healthcare Heroes

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic 2 years ago, healthcare workers have cared for and supported us while putting their own lives at risk. The Healthcare Heroes event was a small way for the Council to say thank you to all the doctors, nurses, healthcare environmental services workers, first responders, and volunteers working through the pandemic. Your continued dedication and sacrifice make you truly heroes.

Serving Seniors

Was honored to speak to Serving Seniors at the Gary & Mary West Senior Wellness Center in honor of Womens History Month. It’s always a pleasure to speak with residents, especially when I can learn more ways to assist our seniors.

To learn more about Serving Seniors visit their website here.

National League of Cities

I had a fantastic trip to Washington D.C. at the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference! It was amazing to collaborate with leaders from all over the country who are facing many of the same challenges and opportunities we have here in San Diego. During the trip, I was able to learn more about the funding opportunities through the bipartisan federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that will help us improve our aging infrastructure to last for generations to come.

2022 District 5 Woman of Distinction

I was honored to recognize Dr. Darshana Patel as the 2022 Woman of Distinction from District 5! Dr. Patel serves on the Poway Unified School Board and throughout the pandemic has endured misinformation driven protests, death threats, and more for making science based decisions to protect the health of students, teachers, and staff. Dr. Patel also serves on the San Diego Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition and is the President of California School Board Association. Thank you, Dr. Patel, for your continued leadership in our community!

Recognizing Miss Clara Breed

Celebrating Womens History Month, my office honored Miss Clara Breed who served 42 years with the San Diego Public Library and 25 years as City librarian! Miss Breed is remembered for organizing a program to send letters, books, & personal items to Japanese American children incarcerated during WWII. As a one-time San Diego Woman of the Year (1955) and a member of the California Library Hall of Fame, we hope to carry on Miss Breed’s legacy of inclusion and devotion to public service.

Nowruz

I hope everyone who celebrates had a fantastic #Nowruz ! May you all have a healthy and prosperous year, filled with joy and renewal. Special thank you to our intern, Rozhon Badiozamani, for setting up Haft-Sin for our office!

Community Harm Reduction Team facility

This month my office and I toured the new Community Harm Reduction Team facility. The C-HRT program offers behavioral and mental health services, shelter, meals, as well as case management for adults experiencing homelessness. The mental health and substance abuse treatments needs for our unsheltered population have gone unaddressed for far too long, a special thank you to the team for their hard work.

Sea World Animal Rescue

Recently I had the wonderful opportunity to tour Sea World and learn all about their amazing rescue facilities! I knew about its one-of-a-kind zoological collection, but it was amazing to learn about the rescue and rehabilitation work they do for both marine and terrestrial animals!

César Chávez Day

It was my privilege to spend César Chávez Day celebrating the Cesar Chavez Service clubs and honoring Ann Smith. Ann’s over 30 years of service to the United Farm Workers of America and her work in employment litigation make her a true leader and trailblazer. Chávez, who fought for the creation of what is now the United Farm Workers of America, dedicated his life to improving working conditions for farm workers. We must fight every day to carry on his legacy of dignity & justice for all.

Youth Environmental Action Pod

It was so fun to join the Youth Environmental Action Pod and other local youth climate organizations for their Fridays For the Future rally! It's so inspiring to see youth advocacy to protect our environment and push for real action to protect our planet. Keep up the good work!

Announcements

Energy Cost Savings for Seniors

San Diego Gas and Electric has programs that may help reduce energy bills for seniors who qualify for economic or medical reasons, which can include discounts for people who use certain medical equipment.

For more information you can visit this link.

Court Ruling Provides Win for Consumers Over FAIR Plan

A Los Angeles Superior Court yesterday blocked the FAIR Plan’s latest attempt to deny consumers greater coverage options. Insurance Commissioner Lara ordered the FAIR Plan, California’s homeowners insurance safety net, to implement a more comprehensive policy option in addition to its current fire-only policy. Currently, consumers must purchase a separate “difference in conditions” policy to have protection from liability and other perils typically covered by a homeowners policy. The judge previously upheld the Commissioner’s authority to protect consumers in July 2021.

“California consumers win when they have greater options for insurance coverage. The FAIR Plan, once again, has tried to put up roadblocks and deny consumers choice and, once again, a judge has ruled that they must comply with my order," said Commissioner Lara. "By reaffirming that the FAIR Plan needs to implement a more comprehensive coverage option for homeowners, Judge Strobel’s decision is another victory for consumers. The FAIR Plan needs to stop delaying and move forward with giving consumers more choice. My Department of Insurance is ready to work with the FAIR Plan to make that coverage available for consumers as soon as possible, just as we continue to push for increased FAIR Plan coverage for commercial businesses.”