Hello Lydia,

I believe firmly in the power of positive action. More simply, I believe good things, even small acts, beget more good things. A mural on a previously blank wall, a few community events in a park that would otherwise be empty, or small investments in local nonprofits are examples of potentially catalytic events. The mural can be the beginning of turning a blighted area into a point of pride, the community event can forge new relationships and drive out negative activity, and the investments in nonprofits can be the difference between a small organization turning a great idea into tangible impact.

You’ll see the details of the examples above in this week’s email. As you read, I hope you’ll join our team in thinking about the good that will reverberate as a result of these positive actions. I also hope you’ll think of more positive actions that can be taken, no matter how small, that can be the beginning of a wave of more good.

With gratitude,

Sean

People's Ordinance

It is over a year ago that we started our effort to reform the People’s Ordinance, and now we’re at the final step! The City Council is expected to vote on Monday, July 25 whether to place on the November ballot our proposed measure, which would lead to improved trash collection services like curbside containers provided at no additional cost, help us achieve our Climate Action Plan goals, and eliminate a longstanding inequity. 

Council President Elo-Rivera is excited for the opportunity for voters like you to update this 102-year-old law so the City can better meet the needs of District 9 residents and San Diegans across the City. 

Updates on Homelessness Outreach 

The homelessness crisis affects nearly every part of our city, and many parts of our country. Most importantly, the crisis is affecting District 9 neighborhoods. Our office is working to stop the worsening of the crisis in our communities and increasing efforts to support our unsheltered neighbors into housing. 

In addition to regular outreach, the City and its partners have conducted coordinated outreach to place people into housing and homes. Along El Cajon Blvd in May, case workers contacted 125 people and 41 of them were provided healthcare, shelter, housing referrals and transport to hospital. In June, outreach was focused on North Park and the Corridor/City Heights area. Case workers contacted 239 unsheltered people referring 10 to housing and helping 190 with health and other services. 

Outreach and placing people in housing is a gradual process. But our office has worked hard to address homelessness in numerous other ways with measures to prevent people from falling into homelessness, funding supportive housing and exploring temporary spaces like shelter and parking lots.