A Note from Stephen...

Dear Neighbors,

From participating in our city’s first full-scale San Diego LGBTQ Pride celebration since 2019, to making some important votes at City Council, to supporting constituents concerned about monkeypox, it has been a busy summer here at City Hall and out in the community. In this edition of our District 3 Newsletter, I am looking forward to updating you on some of the things that have been going on.

Of particular concern to many in our community is monkeypox, and our office has been advocating for more vaccines and providing information to District 3 residents. Earlier this week, I joined Mayor Todd Gloria, County Supervisors Nathan Fletcher and Nora Vargas, and other local leaders as the County of San Diego declared monkeypox to be a local Public Health Emergency in an effort to speed up vaccine availability and resources in the region. Please check out the additional resources we have shared below and know that we will continue to advocate for as much support for the San Diego region as possible.

I hope you enjoy the rest of the summer and I look forward to seeing you around the District soon!

Best,

Check-out these additional resources for information and updates about monkeypox:

The County of San Diego’s monkeypox webpage provides guidance and information.
Sign up to get County News Center stories emailed directly to you here.
Sign up for the text Alert System to receive real-time information about monkeypox in the region by texting COSD MONKEYPOX to 468-311.

Park Blvd Community Workshop

Our office, along with City staff, will be hosting a Park Blvd Community Workshop on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022 from 6-7:30 pm.

The goal of this virtual forum is to gather additional feedback from community members on proposed alternatives for the restriping of lanes on Park Blvd between Upas St and President’s Way following the upcoming pipeline replacement and repaving.

The workshop will include a presentation from city staff followed by time to share your feedback.

Please RSVP here to receive the login information.

Safeguard San Diego

Last month, the City Council approved the inclusion of the “Safeguard San Diego” measure on the November 2022 ballot which I was proud to bring forward in partnership with Councilmember Raul Campillo.

If voters approve this measure, the City will be eligible for millions of dollars in state infrastructure funding each year that we have been missing out on since project labor agreements were prohibited years ago.

This measure presents a simple fix that protects our fair share of state funding while prioritizing job opportunities for local workers. Look for this measure on your ballot this November!

Old Trolley Barn Park Restroom Survey

The City of San Diego is currently collecting community input on whether residents support a public restroom at Old Trolley Barn Park. I am looking forward to reviewing all of the input that is received not only from this survey but from other community feedback opportunities that have been previously presented.

If you live in University Heights, please consider taking a few moments to share your feedback on this proposal. The survey will be open through Aug. 23 and can be accessed here.

Pay-by-Plate Parking

Check out this easier way to pay for parking at metered spaces on 30th Street in North Park!

With Pay-by-Plate Parking, you just download and pay with the City’s Park Smarter app, and there’s no need to visit the meter or display a receipt on your dash. Bonus convenience: if you only purchased one hour and you decide you want to stay longer, you can purchase another hour (on 2-hour max meters) right from your phone.

For those who prefer the traditional method, you can still pay with credit card at the meter.

Multi-space meters are installed all along 30th between Adams Avenue and Upas Street (except for the stretch between Meade and Monroe, where construction is taking place).

Employ + Empower

The City of San Diego is committed to developing a thriving, skilled, and educated workforce capable of tackling the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow, by providing a clear, unified pathway for career growth, learning, and development today.

Recently, the city launched the Employ + Empower youth workforce program which will provide paid internships and job training to local youth, as part of the State’s #CaliforniansForAll Youth Job Corps.

Interns will make $15/hour or more, and gain valuable experience working on some of San Diego’s most important needs. Priority will be given to applicants ages 16-30 who are low-income, unemployed, justice-involved or in foster care. For more information click here.

Follow us on social media!

Be sure to follow Councilmember Whitburn on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to see important community updates, opportunities for sharing your feedback, and to see what our office is up to.

Upcoming Community Events

Hillcrest CityFest
Sunday, Aug. 14, noon to 11 pm
CityFest returns to Fifth Ave. after two years! The festivities will happen Sunday, Aug. 14 with performances on two stages, two beer gardens, rides, kids attractions, and a huge food court. Find out more here.

America's Finest City Half Marathon
Sunday, Aug. 21, 6:15 am
San Diego’s fastest and most scenic half marathon gives participants the opportunity to run from the Cabrillo National Monument atop the tip of Point Loma, along San Diego Bay, Harbor Island, Embarcadero, past the Star of India, through downtown San Diego to a rousing finish in historic Balboa Park. More info is here.

Community Meetings
Check out our District 3 Communities webpage to get information on upcoming meetings hosted by neighborhood town councils, community planning groups, business associations, and more.

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