Hello District 5 Neighbors!

It’s June and summer in San Diego is around the corner. While the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a huge toll on our tourism and hospitality industries, I am hopeful that with our increased vaccination rates and lowering case rates, San Diego will be poised to welcome tourists safely back to our hotels, restaurants, and beaches safely this summer. Indeed, we discussed the tourism recovery at our recent COVID-19 Response and Recovery Committee Meeting, with special presentations from the San Diego Tourism Authority and San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.

As California prepares for a full re-opening on June 15, our office is here to help with questions about vaccines, small business and relief for renters who were unemployed during the pandemic. Please do not hesitate to reach out, and hope everyone has a safe and healthy beginning of the summer season.

We had a busy month at the City as we held a series of budget review committee meetings in lieu of normal City Council meetings. I am so grateful for all of you that participated and engaged with my office throughout this process and I encourage all of you to reach out should you have any further questions or concerns.

Finally, as we commemorate Memorial Day, I would like to dedicate this month’s newsletter to the memory of a local San Diego hero, US Army Captain Jennifer Moreno. Captain Moreno grew up in Logan Heights, was a nurse and graduate of the University of San Francisco. She volunteered to deploy with Army Special Operations Command cultural support team to engage Afghan women. Captain Moreno tragically lost her life in combat in Afghanistan on October 6, 2013 at the age of 25, as she attempted to rescue a fellow soldier. 

I was deeply humbled to attend the Truman Project National Security Project's Memorial Day ceremony at Rosecrans National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of of our servicemembers and Captain Moreno. I congratulate San Diego Representative Mike Levin in calling for the San Diego Veterans Affairs Medical Center to be renamed in Captain Moreno’s honor.

Sincerely,

Councilmember Marni von Wilpert
MarnivonWilpert@sandiego.gov

COVID-19 Update

California to Fully Reopen on June 15th

California is preparing to get back to normal. On June 15th, capacity and distancing restrictions will be lifted for most businesses and activities. Large-scale indoor events will have vaccination or negative test requirements for attendees through at least October 1st.

Read more about the blueprint for the California reopening here. 

Governor Newsom Announces End of State Mask Mandate

Governor Newsom announced that the State of California mask mandate will be lifted on June 15th. However, California Division of Occupational Safety and health is likely to extend a mask mandate for workers until next year, even if they are vaccinated.

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. 

Apply for California COVID-19 Rent and Utility Assistance Program

The State of California is accepting applications from renters and landlords on behalf of a renter for past due and future payments of rent and utilities. Per guidance from the U.S. Department of Treasury, financial help this program provides to a household is not considered income for the household. The program does not ask about immigration status; it does not affect eligibility for the program.

Households that meet the following criteria are eligible to receive help:

         +Tenant has a City of San Diego address.
         +Household income is at or below 80 percent of San Diego’s Area Median                          Income (AMI), currently $97,000 per year for a family of four.
         +Household has an obligation to pay rent.
         +At least one member of the household has a reduction of income or other                           financial hardship due to COVID-19.
         +Household experienced or is at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing             instability.

Those in need of assistance can apply here.

Apply Now for City of San Diego Rent and Utility Assistance Program

The City of San Diego is still accepting applications for COVID-19 rental and utility assistance through the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) Housing Stability Assistance Program. Tenants can apply for the program, OR a landlord can apply on behalf of a tenant to help 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. 

Those in need of assistance can apply 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?

Starting on May 13th, any resident 12 years and older are able to be vaccinated. No appointments 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

Councilmember von Wilpert Calls for San Diego Police Department to Compile Report on Proliferation of “Ghost Guns”

Last week, I requested a report from the San Diego Police Department on the proliferation of "ghost guns" in San Diego. We must do everything possible to protect our neighborhoods from the epidemic of gun violence. In San Diego and around the country, gun violence is fueled by the spread of unserialized, untraceable ‘ghost guns.’ San Diegans deserve to have a full picture of what is really happening on our streets so that we can protect our communities.

In the coming weeks, I will meet with gun safety advocates, community leaders, and law enforcement officials to take action to keep our City safe.

Read the full letter to the San Diego Police Department here.

Fiscal Year 2022 City Budget

The City Council paused its regular meeting schedule to hold budget review committee meetings to form our City’s budget for fiscal year 2022. After receiving the results of our budget survey and listening to hours of public testimony, I sent my revised budget memo for consideration by the Independent Budget Analyst. Thank you to everyone who participated in our District Five budget survey, we appreciate your thoughts and feedback.

The analysis and budget memos will be released in the next few weeks.

San Diego Dam Assessment

The City's Public Utilities Department announced that over the next 5 years they will conducting an assessment of our City's dams. The dams store approximately 188 billion gallons of water and are crucial to keep a reliable water supply given a supply disruption due to natural disaster or other event. 

Since the 2017 Oroville Dam failure in Northern California, we need to make sure we maintain the integrity of our dams. The five oldest dams in San Diego average 100 years old and this assessment ensures we are taking proactive steps to maintain our important water infrastructure. 

This month at the Active Transportation and Infrastructure Committee meeting, we took action to accept $439,000 of Dam Rehabilitation Grant Program funding that will be a part of our dam assessment program. The funding came from the CA Department of Water Resources, FEMA, and the Department of Homeland Security. This assessment is critical to ensure our infrastructure is prepared for the future growth and resiliency of our City.

Outdoor Business Operations Extended

The City Council unanimously passed Interim Urgency Ordinances to allow the Temporary Outdoor Business Operations extension. As the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic for San Diego continues, there are still many businesses struggling to make up ground lost during the past year as a result of necessary public health restrictions to keep residents safe. 

The extension of the interim emergency ordinances allows businesses such as restaurants, arts and culture venues, and fitness enterprises, to continue to operate outdoors. This extension will help San Diego recover at a faster pace economically with the health and safety in mind of our workforce, San Diego residents, and visitors while continuing to provide access to public spaces.

In the Community

Child Care Provider Appreciation Day

My office took time to recognize Child Care Provider Appreciation Day! Childcare providers have always been essential, and we know the lengths they will go to keep children safe and support families, while also playing a critical role for our economy. Thank you, providers, for all you do for our City!     

Women Marine Boot Camp Graduates

In a historic first, women attended and graduated from Marine boot camp in San Diego. Congratulations, Marines! Semper Fi! 

World Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day

Every year, more than 22,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and unfortunately, survival improvements are decades behind other cancers. Clearity Foundation helps women identify treatment options to beat this disease. I was to proud to participate in Clearity Foundations awareness day by wearing the turquoise mask to raise awareness of this important cause.

Women's Fire Prep Academy Graduates

I was proud to join the San Diego Fire Department to congratulate the graduates of the San Diego’s Women’s Fire Prep Academy! These academies are an important way to recruit more women and diversify our fire department ranks.

Understand Renter and Landlords Rights

With many San Diegans still out of work and struggling under the pandemic, Housing Help San Diego is helping renters and landlords alike understand their rights and the resources available to help prevent evictions and homelessness. 

Scripps Ranch Civic Association Clean-up Day

Our office joined the Scripps Ranch Civic Association and Scripps Poway Rotary Club for our community clean-up day. It was great to be out in my home community while collecting hundreds of pounds of waste!

District 5 Students Win City's Earth Day Drawing Contest

Congratulations to District 5 students Howell and Jolina- winners of the City's Earth Day 2021 Drawing Contest! Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this contest a success. 

Download the coloring book anytime here.

Announcements

COX Communications Discount Program

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.

Short-Term Vacation Rental Licenses

Are you an Airbnb or Vrbo host? Do you own or manage a vacation rental in San Diego? Take the pre-registration survey on upcoming short-term rental licenses here. 

The City Council recently passed a Short-Term Residential Occupancy ordinance. As a part of these regulations, licenses will be required to operate a STRO in the City of San Diego beginning July 1, 2022. Participation in this survey does not guarantee a license but will provide the STRO Program with information to assist in the development of administrative rules to implement and administer license registration, the lottery process and ensure potential hosts receive timely notification of updates. Learn more here.

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

The free Military Appreciation Pass (MAP) program is 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!

San Diego Foundation’s Summer Enrichment Grants for Students

Students are struggling to focus and retain information with online learning, many are failing their classes and students feel that they are learning less than past years. 

As a reminder, the San Diego Foundation is teaming up with the San Diego Unified School District to change that by issuing grants for summer enrichment programs. These programs will help San Diego students accelerate learning and address the social-emotional needs of youth, especially for those student groups most impacted by COVID-19.  

The Level Up SD grants – made possible by The San Diego Foundation and San Diego Unified – promotes a summer of student learning and joy through:

            + Academic tutoring
            + Exposure to career pathways and paid internships
            + Outdoor nature experiences
            + Sports & fitness
            + STEM and STEAM related programs,
            + Performing and musical arts
            + Visual & media arts
            + Reading & writing 
            + Nonprofit community-based organizations, district-managed schools and                         municipalities are eligible for funding for enrichment programs in summer                       2021 – beginning in mid-June and completed by late August. The deadline for                 grant applications is this Friday, April 30. 

For information and to apply 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.