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My main focus has always been to improve the quality of life of District 80 residents. Growing up in Barrio Logan, one of our County's most marginalized communities, I witnessed firsthand the lack of resources and infrastructure available compared to other parts of the County. This motivated me to explore different areas as a young adult and brought to light the inequitable distribution of resources within communities based on the economic status of their residents.
Improving community infrastructure, such as parks, playgrounds, street lights, and public transportation, has been a priority in my work. However, the work is far from complete. It is imperative that we continue pushing for adequate funding and support in Sacramento to ensure all communities in District 8 have the necessary resources to thrive.
David believes in the transformative power of libraries as gateways to knowledge and success. He successfully fought for a new library in Eastlake, Chula Vista, marking the city's first addition to its library system in three decades. Additionally, during his City Council term, David spearheaded the construction of a library in San Ysidro. These efforts demonstrate his commitment to expanding access to educational resources and empowering communities with opportunities for growth and achievement.
Our region is growing quickly, and more than 50,000 drivers use the 125-South Bay Expressway every year. In 2022, David voted for $20 million to fast track the toll removal on the 125-South Bay Expressway to allow more people to access a faster commute.
The new Otay Mesa 2 Port of Entry has completed its groundbreaking and David was happy to support legislation that authorizes local agencies to build and operate the border infrastructure. This project will provide a significant economic development opportunity and reduce border wait times at the existing Ports of Entry in San Ysidro and Otay Mesa.
Throughout David's time on the City Council for District 8, his commitment to creating opportunities has driven remarkable accomplishments in major construction projects including the San Ysidro Library, Cesar Solis Park, Dennery Ranch Park, and the crucial road and sidewalk infrastructure leading to San Ysidro High School. The completion of the sidewalk and road to San Ysidro High School means that students no longer have to navigate a dirt path along a winding road. Instead, they can now walk safely to school, opening doors to a more accessible and secure education.
The completion of the 10-year undergrounding project in Sherman Heights has provided residents with renewed streets that enhance safety and connectivity. By championing these initiatives, David has created tangible opportunities that empower individuals and communities, ensuring a brighter and more prosperous future for all.
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David has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at reconnecting communities in California that have long been fragmented by freeway constructions. Efforts including holding community meetings and advocating for equitable infrastructure solutions have not only sought to rectify the historic injustices inflicted on marginalized neighborhoods but also to foster a renewed sense of unity.
As Assemblymember, David secured $3.5 million in the 2023 state budget for the installation of the Memorial Park Sports Field Lighting Project, a much-needed improvement for the community of Barrio Logan. This project will not only light up the park but also provide a safe space for families and kids to enjoy recreational activities.
With David's steadfast dedication and unwavering support the residents of Ocean View Hills now have their very own community park, Cesar Solis Park, where they can engage in sports, unwind, and enjoy picnics. This remarkable accomplishment signifies a significant step forward in providing opportunities for recreation and community bonding. Furthermore, David's dedication and efforts have also yielded progress in other nearby parks, including Dennery Ranch Park, Southwest Park in Nestor, and Beyer Park in San Ysidro, all currently in construction. Through his tireless work, David is creating spaces that enhance the quality of life and foster a sense of unity within the community.
Barrio Logan has been a vibrant art community for decades, with Chicano Park as its crown jewel. This area has undergone significant revitalization in recent years. However, for decades, the community has been without a dedicated planning group, unlike other neighborhoods in San Diego. This absence meant that the outdated Barrio Logan community plan lacked proper zoning regulations, resulting in homes being built in close proximity to industrial facilities.
Recognizing the urgent need for change, David took action in 2014 by establishing the Barrio Logan Planning Group, filling a crucial gap in community representation. Serving as the official advisory body for the city, this milestone gave Barrio Logan residents a long-overdue voice in shaping new developments and addressing community concerns. With the establishment of the Planning Group, Barrio Logan can now actively participate in decisions that impact their lives, ensuring that future developments align with their vision for a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive neighborhood.
Through his unwavering dedication, David has empowered Barrio Logan to seize new opportunities and transform into a thriving community where residents' voices are heard and their aspirations are realized.
In 2001, during David’s time in council, the Otay Mesa Community Plan was approved. This visionary plan not only recognized the significant land use changes that had transpired over the past three decades but also created a thriving hub for middle-class job opportunities in the region.
The plan strategically addressed the impact of substantial land use changes, both at the local and regional levels, which had arisen over the course of 30 years. Notably, it tackled the challenge of lost designated industrial and residential land, resulting from the adoption of the Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) in 1997.
The Otay Mesa Community Plan has not only safeguarded the region's ecological treasures but also has paved the way for the creation of a robust job center, fostering economic growth and prosperity for the community. Through his active involvement in this transformative process, David played a key role in unlocking new opportunities and building a more vibrant and sustainable future for the entire region.
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