Hello District 5 Neighbors!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and a great start to the new year. Over the last few months I have attended and hosted a number of community events in the District. So far, I have gone to the Rancho Peñasquitos Planning Board, the Rancho Bernardo Community Planning Group and hosted a community coffee in Carmel Mountain Ranch to give a City Hall update and to hear directly from board members and residents about issues important to them. I also had such a wonderful time at my second Carmel Mountain Ranch Holiday block party! It was great meeting residents, eating Holiday snacks, and enjoying the amazing lights and music. Thank you to the Edelman family for hosting! 

My staff and I had a wonderful time setting up Holiday decorations at the San Diego Police Department- Northeastern division. We are always grateful for their service! Thank you to all volunteers and community members who helped make this possible.  

I attended the annual Mamas Kitchen Tree of Life Ceremony for World AIDS Day. Every December 1st, this event honors those we have lost to AIDS, as well as the millions living with HIV. We must all continue to work towards ending this global pandemic. 

Alongside Mayor Todd Gloria, I was honored to recognize the 40th Annual Scripps Ranch Tree Lighting. As a former Girl Scout who once participated in this event, it brings me so much joy to see so much community attendance. 

Sincerely,

Councilmember Marni von Wilpert
MarnivonWilpert@sandiego.gov

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City Hall Update

Amending Falck Ambulance Contract

The City of San Diego’s ambulance provider, Falck, has continued to pay fines for failing to meet response times and staffing goals that were agreed to in the contract they have with the City of San Diego. At the San Diego City Council’s Public Safety Committee meeting next week, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department will present options on how to move forward to ensure San Diegans are receiving top notch emergency services. We must take action to ensure proper staffing and coverage for our residents.

Holding SDG&E Accountable

We’ve heard from so many of our neighbors about the burden that high utility bills are creating – and I am frustrated with the lack of transparency in how SDG&E passed on this high cost to ratepayers. Utility rates – including SDG&E’s rates – are regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in Sacramento. Two weeks ago, I sent a letter in support of CPUC President Alice Busching Reynolds' call to launch an investigation into the alarmingly high gas and electric prices that San Diegans are being charged, which are some of the highest rates in the country. Below is a copy of the letter I sent, and you can also view and download it by clicking this link.

New Chair of Public Safety Committee

I am honored to be serving as the new Chair of the City Council's Public Safety Committee for this year. I am looking forward to making progress on major issues facing our City- like the fentanyl epidemic, human trafficking, gun violence prevention, providing support for our first responders, and more.

Stop Adolescent Addiction to Flavored E-Cigarettes Act

The Stop Adolescent Addiction to Flavored E-Cigarettes Act (SAAFE Act) has officially taken effect. I am proud that our City continues to be a leader in such an important public health fight, and now thanks for the voters of the State of California in passing overwhelmingly Prop 31 in the 2022 election, all communities will be protected from big tobacco's intentional marketing of these products to youth. Businesses and residents with questions can contact San Diego Police Department's Vice Division’s Point of Contact for Tobacco Enforcement: (619)-531-2436

In the Community

Black History Month

I was honored to attend a community conversation on supporting our Black community, hosted by Attorney General Rob Bonta, Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber, and Council President pro Tem Monica Montgomery Steppe. It was critical to hear directly from San Diegans about the struggles our black community is facing, and the work our elected officials are doing to address them and improve life for all San Diegans.

Community Coffee

Our second “Community Coffee” was a huge success! Thank you to the District 5 residents who took time to meet with me to discuss community issues and share their ideas. A huge thank you to the Mostra Coffee staff for their hospitality!

Tram Le-Harkins Lighthouse Award Winner

Congratulations, to Tram Le- Harkins from Rancho Peñasquitos on winning the Lighthouse Award for The Turnaround Teacher! Tram Le-Harkins is an English teacher at Mount Carmel High School where she has been a strong advocate for the school's equity work, including developing an Ethnic Literature course, where students felt safe to talk about the role of race in their life. I am so thankful for all that she does for students and families in Rancho Peñasquitos. 

Meadowbrook Middle School Day at City Hall

It was my pleasure to host students from Meadowbrook Middle School ASB at City Hall! While Meadowbrook is located in Poway, a large portion of the students live in our communities. I was excited to learn that they have such a strong grasp on the US Constitution/US History and I was happy to connect their studies to the daily operations of our local government. The future is bright!

San Diego Fire Department Women’s Fire Prep Academy

I visited the SDFD Women’s Fire Prep Academy, and was honored to present them with a Proclamation honoring 45 years of women’s service in our Fire Department. I am so grateful to have such dedicated service women in our City. They even let me participate in some of the training events – firefighting is hard work! 

Resolution Declaring San Diego a Safe City for Transgender, Non- binary, and Gender Diverse Youth

This year, we have seen an unprecedented rise in both bigoted rhetoric and legislation towards the LGBTQ+ community. We must come together to protect our diverse youth, and to support policies that help make our City a safe haven for all. Thank you to my council colleagues for standing with community leaders in passing a resolution declaring San Diego a Safe City for Transgender, Non- binary, and Gender Diverse Youth.

San Diego Military Advisory Council 

Last month, I joined military, defense company, local business and non-profit leaders for the annual SDMAC Breakfast. The 2022 Military Impact Report showed the military, defense industry, and our veterans contribute more than $56 billion to San Diego’s GDP.

Support the Enlisted Project 'Sharing the Joy' Toy Drive

I am so pleased my staff and I could participate in this year’s @teamstepusa
“Sharing the Joy” toy drive. My office loves any opportunity to support the amazing work STEP does for military families in District 5. Thank you to all who contributed!

San Diego Zoo Safari Park Fire Prevention

In addition to world-class zoological conservation work, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
is instrumental to both local fire prevention and active fire efforts. I recently toured the Park's newly renovated facilities and learned how the Safari Park staff will be able to assist local and state fire organizations in a wildfire emergency. 

High Tech High Visit

I was thrilled to be invited by High Tech High school to speak with seniors about US Civics and our local government processes. It’s always inspiring to hear from our future leaders! 

Hats Off to Volunteers

I was honored to help recognize numerous Rancho Bernardo constituents at the Hats Off to Volunteers event this year! Their hard work and selflessness are essential to the special character of our communities, and we are so thankful for their contributions!

Jennifer Moreno VA Medical Center

A major medical center at the San Diego VA is now named the Jennifer Moreno VA Medical Center to honor her service and sacrifice. Captain Moreno was a US Army nurse and a Logan Heights native, was an amazing soldier, nurse, and person. Moreno died in combat in 2013 in Afghanistan while rushing to the aid of a fellow injured soldier during a raid on a residential compound where a wanted Taliban member was believed to be staying. Moreno was posthumously promoted to captain and awarded the Combat Action Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Purple Heart, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and NATO Medal. She previously held the Parachutist Badge. 

She is survived by her mother and two sisters in San Diego, and her brother, who is serving in the Army. This VA Center naming marks the first ever VA facility to be named after a Latina.

Holiday Bowl Parade

I was honored to participate in the 2022 Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade! America’s Finest City offers such a fun and unique bowl experience to student-athletes and supporters and I enjoy participating every year.

MCAS Miramar’s “Bring in the New Year” Reception

I had a wonderful time at the MCAS Miramar’s “Bring in the New Year” Reception. It’s always an honor to celebrate the service of the men and women defending our country, and I look forward to our continued collaboration in 2023.

Recognition of Volunteers for SDPD Northeastern Renovations

I was honored to present proclamations to those who donated time, money, and equipment to renovate San Diego Police Department’s Northeastern subdivision! I am so grateful to have residents willing to give back to our local officers for the exemplary service they provide to our communities. 

San Diego Fire Department Air Ops Graduation

I was honored to attend this year’s SDFD Air Ops Graduation ceremony. Congratulations to these six helicopter rescue medics on completing their intense training program! I am so thankful for their dedication to serving our City and protecting our communities.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Human Dignity Award Breakfast

It was an honor to attend the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Human Dignity Award Breakfast. To honor Dr. King’s life and legacy, we must continue to fight for civil rights protections and voting access for all. 

Challenged Athletes Foundation Fundraiser

I was honored to attend the birthday-fundraiser of Scripps Ranch resident, Reagan Kelley! For her 11th birthday, she requested donations to the Challenged Athletes Foundation which provides support to people with physical challenges so they can pursue active lifestyles through sport. The fundraiser was able to raise over $10,000! 


 
Mission Beach Lifeguard Station Tour

As Chair of San Diego City Council's Public Safety Committee, I was given a site tour of the Mission Beach Lifeguard Station. I thank the Lifeguards for their hard work and service to the City, particularly with the recent severe weather, high surf, and dangerous rescues.

Homeless Point in Time Count

Last week my staff and I assisted in the annual Point in Time Count. This count is vital for helping local and federal leaders find ways to best serve our unsheltered residents. Huge thank you to all the volunteers and coordinators who make this event possible.

2023 Tết Festival

I was so happy to join Councilmember Kent Lee  and family to celebrate Tết Festival! The San Diego City Council declared January 28 as Tết Festival Day in the City of San Diego. Chúc Mừng Năm Mới!

San Diego Regional Cyber Lab

I recently took a tour of the new San Diego Regional Cyber Lab which small businesses, public agencies, and educational institutions can utilize for specialized training with safe environments to simulate and defend against cyberattacks. Cybercrime is an ever-growing threat, please reach out to the Cyber Lab to learn about ways to protect your organization or small business. 

Announcements

Rancho Bernardo Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol

The San Diego Police Department's Rancho Bernardo Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol needs more volunteers!  For details on how to join the RB RSVP call the Administrator, Bob Walder, at 858-518-6882 or email RanchoBernardo.RSVP@gmail.com.

For more information on the RSVP program, click here.

Digital Navigator

Thousands of San Diegans do not have access to the internet. The City of San Diego
has launched a new Digital Navigator program to help close this digital divide in our communities. Call 1-800-350-6945 to get free basic tech support, or visit:

Click here

CORE - Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project

The Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE) is a $125 million project intended to encourage California off-road equipment users to purchase or lease currently commercialized zero-emission off-road equipment. This streamlined voucher incentive project helps offset the higher cost of zero-emission technology with a point-of-sale discount. There is no scrappage requirement, and additional funding is available for charging and fueling infrastructure and for equipment deployed in disadvantaged communities.

Click here for more information.

San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC)- Homeless Prevention Program

The new program for which the City Council approved funding for the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) to help pay rent and other housing-related expenses for eligible households with low income and unstable housing situations formally launches Thursday, September 8, as the Housing Instability Prevention Program (HIPP). This is another effort to prevent families and seniors from falling into homelessness on our streets. 

Those who need assistance should contact 2-1-1 through SDHC’s HOUSING FIRST – SAN DIEGO telephone hotline at 619-578-7768.

SDHC staff is operating HIPP, formerly referred to as the Housing Stability Fund Program. SDHC will identify potential participants through referrals from 2-1-1 San Diego. SDHC Housing Specialists will contact those households to confirm and verify if they are eligible for assistance.

HIPP will help approximately 300 households. Eligible households can receive up to $500 per month for up to 24 months toward rent and help with expenses, such as security deposits, past-due rent, utilities, application fees or furniture, depending on the family’s need. 

Workforce Partnership 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.