By Megan Burks
Gloria Heads to Sacramento to Protect Local Canyons
Current City Heights Councilman Todd Gloria headed to Sacramento Tuesday to testify before the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water. He advocated for the approval of Senate Bill 1169, which was written by Senator Christine Kehoe to add a layer of protection to San Diego’s canyons.
If passed, the law would dedicate the city-owned land as open space. Dedicated open space requires a two-thirds vote of the people to be sold or altered. Currently, it takes just a majority vote of the city council to sell off or modify the canyons.
With the growth of community clean-up events and canyon advocacy groups, many in City Heights are beginning to embrace and enjoy the outdoor space. They’re also more knowledgeable about how the canyons affect the health of San Diego’s watersheds and coastline.
The committee approved the bill Tuesday, sending it to the Senate floor. Assemblyman and candidate for mayor Nathan Fletcher has said he would vote for the bill if it makes it to the Assembly.
Follow Todd Gloria @ToddGloria.
California Endowment Awards La Maestra $500,000 Loan
The California Endowment announced last week it will loan La Maestra Family Clinic, Inc., $500,000 to build a center for intergenerational programming. The Generations Community Center will be added on to the La Maestra facility in City Heights, providing a space to run programs for both youth and seniors.
Seniors in City Heights have been advocating for a senior center in the neighborhood. It’s unclear if the new center, which will be raised near new senior housing units, will satisfy that need. Youth and seniors in the community have already responded well to intergenerational programming, such as a computer-tutoring program run by the Consumer Center for Health Education and Advocacy.
Follow the California Endowment @CalEndow.
School District Offers Free Lunches During Spring Break
San Diego Unified is offering free intersession lunches to anyone 18 years old or younger April 9 to 27. The offer is meant to keep kids who qualify for free or reduced lunch fed, even when school is out for spring break.
In City Heights, the lunches will be available 12 to 1 p.m. at 2596 Violet St., 4380 Landis St., and 5319 Orange Ave. Children do not need to register or fill out paperwork.
Follow San Diego Unified @sdschools.
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