Circulate San Diego's activity stream
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Circulate San Diego published Circulate Expands Its Statewide Legislation Advocacy in 2025 in Policy Letters 2025-06-06 10:49:04 -0700
Circulate Expands Its Statewide Legislation Advocacy in 2025
In 2025, Circulate has increased its advocacy at the California state legislature, working with a broad array of housing and transit allies to support over fifty measures that would encourage new housing and improve our transit options.
The California State legislature meets from January to September every year. At this time of year, a successful bill will have passed its committees in either the Senate or Assembly, and come up for a vote in that first house. Starting in the coming weeks, bills that pass the Senate will move on to the Assembly, and bills that pass the Assembly will move on to the Senate. Those that pass both houses by the end of the session in September will be sent to the Governor for his signature or veto.
This year Circulate has joined in efforts to support a wide array of legislation, ranging from broad aggressive reforms to much-needed technical tweaks.
On one side of that scale is SB 79 an important bill to allow more residential development near transit stops is supported by both our transit-focused and housing-focused allies. On Tuesday, it got just enough votes to pass the Senate and will move on to the Assembly.An example on the less controversial technical side fo the ledger is AB 1294, which creates a statewide standardized permit application form for certain housing developments. AB 1294 passed the Assembly last week with no opposition.
Here is a full list of the bills that Circulate has supported this term, along with links to pdf copies of our the bill, or our support letters where those letters have been finalized.
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Circulate San Diego published 2025-05-30 Press Release - Rally at University and Cherokee in Press Room 2025-05-30 16:01:07 -0700
2025-05-30 Press Release - Rally at University and Cherokee
PRESS RELEASE
Victims of Traffic Violence Rally to Call on the City of San Diego to Get Kids to School Safely
Contact: Will Moore, Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego, 858-210-7999, [email protected]
On Friday, May 30, at 1:00 p.m., at the intersection of University Avenue and Cherokee Avenue in the City Heights neighborhood of San Diego, Circulate San Diego, Families for Safe Streets San Diego, The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, and BikeSD led a rally against traffic violence - calling on the City of San Diego to make improvements to “Get Kids to School Safely.”
University and Cherokee is one of the Fatal 15 intersections – the deadliest intersections in San Diego. It’s also along one of San Diego’s 6 Critical Corridors identified by SANDAG as among the most dangerous for pedestrians. The intersection is within a quarter-mile of multiple schools, including Edison Elementary and Cherokee Point Elementary, placing children and families at daily risk.
Victims of traffic violence and elected officials highlighted the urgent need to make school routes safer and will be encouraging the City to support the Vision Zero Coalition’s budget priorities, which include:
- Improving safety along the 6 Critical Corridors to school;
- Fixing the Fatal 15 intersections; and
- Reducing speeds in school zones through the implementation of AB 43.
San Diego City Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera, who lives in and represents the City Heights neighborhood that includes University and Cherokee, drove the point home saying, “Protecting our children is a sacred responsibility. The status quo is failing our children. This intersection is within a quarter mile of two elementary schools. No parent should have to worry about whether their child will make it to school.”
Stephen Whitburn, San Diego District 3 City Councilmember, said, "This intersection at University and Cherokee is one of San Diego's Fatal 15. It sits on a corridor that has seen 62 pedestrian and cyclist injuries and two deaths in the past decade. That's unacceptable, especially when kids walk to school just a few blocks away. This is not just about infrastructure. It's about improving quality of life for residents, commuters and for all San Diegans.”
Shana Hazan, the San Diego Unified School District Board Member who represents the area, said, “Here at the intersection of University and Cherokee, we are just blocks from Edison Elementary and Cherokee Point Elementary. Hundreds of families walk or bike across this intersection every day and every day they face danger. No child should have to risk their lives just to get to school.”
Amy Cohen, Founder and President of Families for Safe Streets National, put our local safety crisis in a national perspective saying, “Every day, 100 people are killed in car crashes in the United States. It's the equivalent of a plane crashing every day. This is a preventable public health crisis.”
Laura Keenan, Co-Founder & Chair of Families for Safe Streets San Diego, who organized the event, summed up the rally-goers’ sense of urgency saying, “No child's safety should depend on their zip code.
A downloadable copy of this press release can be found here.
Photos from the rally:
San Diego Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera, with members of Families for Safe Streets, backed by (left to right) Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, and San Diego Unified School Board Member Shana Hazan. (High Res version available here.)
San Diego Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, with members of Families for Safe Streets, backed by (left to right), Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera, Laura Keenan, Co-Founder & Chair of Families for Safe Streets San Diego, and San Diego Unified School Board Member Shana Hazan. (High Res version available here.)
San Diego Unified School Board Member Shana Hazan, with members of Families for Safe Streets, backed by (left to right) Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera, and Laura Keenan, Co-Founder & Chair of Families for Safe Streets San Diego. (High Res version available here.)
Laura Keenan, Co-Founder & Chair of Families for Safe Streets San Diego, with members of Families for Safe Streets, backed by (left to right) Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera, and San Diego Unified School Board Member Shana Hazan. (High Res version available here.) -
Circulate San Diego published MEDIA ADVISORY - “Get Kids To School Safely” Rally and Press Conference in Press Room 2025-05-28 09:19:17 -0700
MEDIA ADVISORY - “Get Kids To School Safely” Rally and Press Conference
MEDIA ADVISORY
PRESS CONFERENCE: “Get Kids To School Safely” Rally and Press Conference
Contact: Will Moore, Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego, 858-210-7999, [email protected]
When: Friday, May 30, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Corner of University Ave and Cherokee Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Who:
- Sean Elo-Rivera, San Diego City Councilmember
- Stephen Whitburn, San Diego City Councilmember
- Shana Hazan, San Diego Unified School District Board Member
- Amy Cohen, Founder and President of Families for Safe Streets National
- Mary Elliott, Member of Families for Safe Streets San Diego
- Laura Keenan, Co-Founder & Chair Families for Safe Streets San Diego
What: On Friday, May 30 at 1:00 p.m, at the intersection of University Avenue and Cherokee Avenue in the City Heights neighborhood of San Diego, Circulate San Diego, Families for Safe Streets San Diego, The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, and BikeSD will lead a rally against traffic violence - calling on the City of San Diego to make improvements to “Get Kids To School Safely.”
University and Cherokee is one of the Fatal 15 intersections – the deadliest intersections in San Diego. It’s also along one of San Diego’s 6 Critical Corridors identified by SANDAG as among the most dangerous for pedestrians. The intersection is within a quarter-mile of multiple schools, including Edison Elementary and Cherokee Point Elementary, placing children and families at daily risk.
Since 2012, this corridor has seen 62 pedestrian and cyclist injuries and 2 deaths within a block of each other, including a pedestrian fatality at this very intersection in August 2020.
At this event, we will highlight the urgent need to make school routes safer and will be encouraging the City to support the Vision Zero Coalition’s budget priorities, which include:
- Improving safety along the 6 Critical Corridors to school,
- Fixing the Fatal 15 intersections, and
- Reducing speeds in school zones through the implementation of AB 43.
- Improving safety along the 6 Critical Corridors to school,
- Fixing the Fatal 15 intersections, and
- Reducing speeds in school zones through the implementation of AB 43.
Nearly 50 pedestrians and cyclists lose their lives in traffic crashes in San Diego every year. San Diego committed to Vision Zero in 2015, but pedestrian deaths remain stubbornly high.
Advocates have called upon the City of San Diego to Fix the Fatal 15 and improve the 6 Critical Corridors, but there are not funds allocated in the most recent versions of the budget to make all of the necessary improvements.
Visuals: Family members of pedestrians and cyclists killed in traffic violence, Pictures of victims, a dangerous Fatal 15 intersection and Critical Corridor, San Diego City Councilmembers, Amy Cohen – Founder of national street safety organization Families for Safe Streets, Laura Keenan – Founder of Families for Safe Streets San Diego.
A downloadable copy of this Media Advisory can be found here.
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Vision Zero Coalition Letter re San Diego Budget - Fix The Fatal Fifteen and Get Kids To School Safely
Circulate and our allies in the Vision Zero Coalition have sent a letter to Mayor Gloria and the San Diego City Council urging them to:
- Fix The Fatal 15 – the most dangerous intersections in the City of San Diego;
- Get Kids to School Safely by investing in countermeasures along the 6 Critical Corridors in SANDAG’s Regional Safety Focus Network; and
- Implement AB43 by reducing speed limits in School Zones throughout San Diego.
You can read a copy of the letter here.
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Circulate San Diego published PRESS RELEASE: Circulate Supports Safer Speeds in San Diego in Press Room 2025-04-22 09:07:30 -0700
PRESS RELEASE: Circulate Supports Safer Speeds in San Diego
PRESS RELEASE
Circulate San Diego and Families for Safe Streets Support Whitburn and Campillo Initiative to Lower Speed Limits in Business Districts
Contact: Will Moore, Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego - 858-210-7999 | [email protected]
On April 22, 2025, Circulate San Diego joined Councilmembers Stephen Whitburn and Raul Campillo, along with Vision Zero Coalition partners Families for Safe Streets and Ride SD at City Hall to support safer streets in our business districts.
In 2021, California passed Assembly Bill 43, encouraging cities to adopt lower speed limits in high-pedestrian areas. Today, San Diego is implementing AB 43 by lowering speed limits in some business districts. This initiative, led by Councilmembers Whitburn and Campillo, will both make our streets safer and benefit neighborhood businesses.
Will Moore, Policy Counsel at Circulate San Diego, praised the initiative, saying, "On busy city streets, rushing from one red light to the next doesn't get you to your destination faster – it's just more dangerous. Today's action makes driving safer, makes the neighborhood quieter, and makes local businesses more pleasant places to go."
A downloadable copy of this press release is available here.
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About Circulate San Diego
Circulate San Diego is a regional nonprofit think tank dedicated to advancing mobility andmaking the region a better place to move, work, learn and play. Our work focuses on creating great mobility choices, more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, and land uses that promote sustainable growth. For more information, go to www.circulatesd.org.
About Families for Safe Streets San Diego
Families for Safe Streets San Diego is a group of families who have lost loved ones to traffic crashes or been affected ourselves. Through our stories and advocacy, we seek physical improvements on our streets, policy changes and the rapid implementation of Vision Zero. For more information, go to https://www.circulatesd.org/families_for_safe_streets_san_diego.
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Circulate San Diego published Policy Letter: Appointing Coastal Commissioners Who Support Housing and Climate Goals in Policy Letters 2025-03-21 10:23:21 -0700
Policy Letter: Appointing Coastal Commissioners Who Support Housing and Climate Goals
Today, Circulate and our allies have sent a letter to Governor Newsom, Speaker Rivas, and Senate President Pro Tempore McGuire asking them to appoint or reappoint California Coastal Commissioners who:
1) are committed to building housing,
2) have skills to effectively rein in a historically unaccountable staff, and
3) represent all Californians.
Read the full letter here. -
Circulate San Diego published Policy Letter: #FixTheFatal15 in San Diego's FY2026 Budget in Policy Letters 2025-01-07 12:00:16 -0800
Policy Letter: #FixTheFatal15 in San Diego's FY2026 Budget
Circulate submitted a letter to San Diego's Mayor and City Council asking that they prioritize street safety by fixing the "Fatal 15" deadliest intersections in San Diego. Even as our long term policies improve, pedestrian fatalities in San Diego continue to rise. Fixing those intersections where the largest numbers of pedestrians die should be a major priority.
Read the full letter here.
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Circulate San Diego published PRESS RELEASE - Surviving Family Members of Those Killed Call for Safer Streets at “World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims” in Press Room 2024-11-17 19:17:46 -0800
PRESS RELEASE - Surviving Family Members of Those Killed Call for Safer Streets at “World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims”
PRESS RELEASE
Surviving Family Members of Those Killed Call for Safer Streets at “World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims”
November 17, 2024, San Diego - As the sun set over Alice Birney Park on Sunday evening, surviving family members of San Diegans killed in traffic crashes stood in a silent vigil. They were joined by community leaders and advocates observing The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, and paying respects to the 258 people killed on San Diego county’s roads last year.
Families for Safe Streets San Diego (FSSSD) is a group of San Diego families who have lost loved ones to traffic violence while they were walking or biking. They placed 258 pairs of empty shoes at Alice Birney Joint Use Field to represent the 258 people who were killed in traffic crashes in San Diego County in 2023. They shared the stories of loved ones they have lost to crashes, and called on the City of San Diego to implement 3 specific cost-effective solutions that will save lives: 1) Improve dangerous roads, including the “Fatal 15”; 2) Reduce speed limits in school zones by implementing AB43; 3) Increase safety on the 6 Critical Corridors - the most dangerous pedestrian corridors in San Diego, which are all along routes to school.
FSSSD members were joined by advocates and community leaders in the ceremony, including Circulate San Diego, BikeSD, The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, and City Heights Community Development.
The speakers focused on the theme of Getting Our Kids to School Safely. 46 of the shoes and backpacks on display were child-sized, representing the 46 youngsters killed on our roads last year. Councilmember Stephen Whitburn observed, "As we hold this vigil outside of an elementary school, we know that parents are afraid to let their children walk to school."
Manny Rodriguez of City Heights Community Development talked about the importance to the neighborhood he serves: “Traffic Violence and Safe Routes to School is a top issue in City Heights and the San Diego region, we must work harder to make Vision Zero not just a vision but a reality.”
Two of speakers, who were each severely injured when they were hit by drivers, brought home how these crashes could be any one of us. "I was following every rule," said high school student Caleb Swett from his wheelchair, describing being hit on the way to school.
Obstetrician Anna Cornelius-Schecter said that right before a speeding driver put her in the hospital with a near-fatal brain injury, "I had just shown my friends all the lights and safety features on my bike and my extra reflectors and new helmet."
Families for Safe Streets founder Laura Keenan mourned the loss of her husband Matt. “I remember saying to him as he left the house, ‘I'll see you later’ and the next morning I had to explain to our 15-month-old son that his father wasn't coming home.”. Keenan cited Circulate San Diego’s report “Vision Zero at Ten Years” saying “We have had Vision Zero for ten years and despite good plans, deaths continue to go up.”
San Diego City Councilmembers Stephen Whitburn and Joe LaCava also attended to pay their respects and call for redoubled efforts. As the daylight faded on the gathered crowd, the two councilmembers echoed the theme that time was up, and plans and intentions are no longer acceptable measuring sticks for street safety.
"It should not take as long as it does to get these safety measures into place,” said Councilmember Stephen Whitburn.
Circulate San Diego Policy Counsel Will Moore agreed, saying, “Ultimately, Vision Zero has been a major step forward. But by itself, a vision is not enough. When an admirable vision is only partially implemented, the good intentions behind it start to lose credibility.”
Councilmember Joe LaCava captured the mood of all present, adding simply “The time for words has passed.”
More information is available at https://www.circulatesd.org/2024_world_day_of_remembrance, and https://www.circulatesd.org/vision_zero_at_ten_years.
A downloadable copy of this Press Release is available here.
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About Circulate San Diego
Circulate San Diego is a regional nonprofit think tank dedicated to advancing mobility and making the region a better place to move, work, learn and play. Our work focuses on creating great mobility choices, more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, and land uses that promote sustainable growth. For more information, go to www.circulatesd.org.
About Families for Safe Streets San Diego
Families for Safe Streets San Diego is a group of families who have lost loved ones to traffic crashes or been affected ourselves. Through our stories and advocacy, we seek physical improvements on our streets, policy changes and the rapid implementation of Vision Zero. For more information, go to www.circulatesd.org/families_for_safe_streets_san_diego.
About City Heights Community Development
City Heights Community Development is a nonprofit organization that works with residents to improve the quality of life in City Heights. Through affordable housing construction, small businesses assistance, and improvements to our street infrastructure, our organization strives to make City Heights a vibrant community for people from all walks of life. For more information go to www.cityheightscdc.org/
About BikeSD
BikeSD’s Mission is To establish San Diego as a world-class bicycling city and create more livable urban communities by promoting everyday riding, and advocating for safe bicycling infrastructure and complete networks. For more information, go to www.bikesd.org/
About San Diego County Bicycle Coalition
Since 1987, the San Diego Bicycle Coalition has acted as a voice for bicyclists in the region and has advocated for safer streets and hundreds of miles of bike paths, lanes and trails all across the San Diego region. For more information go to: sdbikecoalition.org/
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Circulate San Diego published MEDIA ADVISORY Nov 17 4:30PM World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims - PRESS CONFERENCE AND VIGIL in Press Room 2024-11-14 14:19:42 -0800
MEDIA ADVISORY - Nov 17 @ 4:30PM - World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims - PRESS CONFERENCE AND VIGIL
MEDIA ADVISORY
PRESS CONFERENCE AND VIGIL: World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
Contact: Will Moore, Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego - 858-210-7999 | [email protected]
When: Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Alice Birney Joint Use Field (At the intersection of Park Blvd and Meade Ave in San Diego)
Who:
- Todd Gloria, Mayor of San Diego
- Stephen Whitburn, Councilmember, City of San Diego
- Richard Barrera, Board Member, San Diego Unified School District
- Laura Keenan, founder of Families for Safe Streets San Diego
- Members of Families for Safe Streets San Diego:
- Nancy Cavanaugh
- Katie Gordon
- Michelle Gonzalez
- Anna Cornelius Schecter
- Caleb CarvalhoWhat: Elected officials, advocacy organizations, and family members of crash victims will observe the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
Families for Safe Streets San Diego (FSSSD) is a group of San Diego families who have lost loved ones to traffic violence while they were walking or biking. FSSSD members will place 258 pairs of empty shoes at Alice Birney Joint Use Field to represent the 258 people who were killed in traffic crashes in San Diego County in 2023. They will then share the stories of loved ones they have lost to crashes, and ask the City Council and Mayor to increase their investments in safe streets. Elected officials will then speak about local and national efforts to improve traffic safety.
Families for Safe Streets San Diego call for the City of San Diego to implement 3 specific cost-effective solutions that will save lives: 1) Improve dangerous roads, including the “Fatal 15”; 2) Reduce speed limits in school zones by implementing AB43; 3) Increase safety on the 6 Critical Corridors - the most dangerous pedestrian corridors in San Diego, which are all along routes to school.
Prior to the vigil, at 3:30 PM, BikeSD will also host a Pre-Event Family Walk & Ride starting and ending at Alice Birney Joint Use Field.
Visuals: Elected officials; Family members of victims of traffic violence; Empty shoe vigil commemorating the 258 people killed on San Diego's roads in 2023.
More information is available at https://www.circulatesd.org/2024_world_day_of_remembrance.
A downloadable copy of this Media Advisory can be found here.
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Circulate San Diego published PRESS RELEASE: Circulate Releases “Vision Zero at Ten Years” Citing Increased Pedestrian Deaths in Press Room 2024-11-12 10:10:33 -0800
PRESS RELEASE: Circulate Releases “Vision Zero at Ten Years” Citing Increased Pedestrian Deaths
PRESS RELEASE
Circulate Releases “Vision Zero at Ten Years” Citing Increased Pedestrian Deaths
Contact: Will Moore, Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego - 858-210-7999 | [email protected]
On Tuesday, November 12, at 8 AM, Circulate San Diego released its latest report – “Vision Zero at Ten Years – Struggling Forward in a Safety Crisis.” This report analyzes San Diego’s efforts to make our streets safer for everyone and finds that despite commendable efforts by the City, more pedestrians are being killed than they were ten years ago. Circulate’s Policy Counsel, Will Moore, presented the report’s findings, backed by families of pedestrians and cyclists killed in traffic crashes.
Circulate launched the report with a press conference at the intersection at University Avenue and 44th Street in the City Heights neighborhood of San Diego. That intersection is one of San Diego’s “Fatal 15,” the name given to the fifteen deadliest intersections in the city. The location was chosen because the deadly intersection is now a construction zone as it undergoes safety improvements. The backdrop served as an apt metaphor for the substantial – but still unfinished – improvements that the city is too-slowly making.
In 2015, Circulate helped push the City of San Diego to adopt Vision Zero – committing to eliminate traffic-related deaths by 2025. Since then, San Diego has made commendable strides toward improving road safety, implementing a range of measures designed to protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. For example, the city has begun designing roads to be safe for all users, not just drivers. It has also established a practical approach to reduce injuries and deaths even when drivers and pedestrians make inevitable mistakes.
Despite these initiatives, deaths continue to rise. Deaths in San Diego are rising more slowly than the abysmal national trend – but that is no solace to the dozens of families who lose loved ones on our streets every year.
San Diego’s new approach, while praiseworthy, has not ripened into enough fully implemented safety measures to decrease deaths – much less bring them to zero. The report recommends increasing resources and expanding efforts to reduce costs and to speed up construction. Circulate and its Vision Zero allies call on the City to implement its plans with the urgency and commitment this safety crisis demands.
Moore summed up the report’s findings, saying, “Vision Zero has been a major step forward. But by itself, a vision is not enough. When an admirable vision is only partially implemented, the good intentions behind it start to lose credibility. And worse yet, our fellow San Diegans continue to die on our streets. We can do better.”
The full report is available online at https://www.circulatesd.org/vision_zero_at_ten_years.
A downloadable copy of this Press Release is available here.
About Circulate San Diego
Circulate San Diego is a regional nonprofit think tank dedicated to advancing mobility and making the region a better place to move, work, learn and play. Our work focuses on creating great mobility choices, more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, and land uses that promote sustainable growth. For more information, go to www.circulatesd.org.
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Circulate San Diego published Vision Zero at Ten Years - Struggling Forward in a Safety Crisis in Policy Reports 2024-11-11 16:51:21 -0800
Vision Zero at Ten Years
Read moreReport Summary
In 2015, Circulate helped push the City of San Diego to adopt Vision Zero – committing to eliminate non-motorist traffic deaths by 2025. This has resulted in much needed, partially successful, reforms to the City’s transportation planning structure. Yet by any measure, more pedestrians and cyclists are being killed in crashes on San Diego’s streets than ten years ago.
The report examines fatality trends from 2012 to 2023, using data from all levels of government - federal, state and local. With very little variance, they all tell the same story: pedestrian deaths in San Diego have increased.
This reflects a broader national increase, driven by factors like larger vehicle use, high-speed incidents, and insufficient street lighting. San Diego’s proactive measures such as traffic calming and increased crosswalk visibility, have not been enough to counteract that national trend.
Even so, since adopting Vision Zero, San Diego has made commendable strides toward improving road safety, implementing a range of measures designed to protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Key efforts include adopting a Complete Streets policy, applying a Safe Systems approach, and implementing quick-build projects to improve pedestrian safety. Circulate recommends continuing to implement these good ideas.
But this new approach, while praiseworthy, has not ripened into enough fully implemented safety measures to decrease deaths. It has fallen far short of the commitment to bring the deaths to zero.
Therefore, while this report praises the City for its promising gains in planning. Circulate and its Vision Zero allies call on the City to implement its plans with the urgency and commitment this safety crisis demands. The report’s recommendations focus on reducing costs, speeding processes, implementing fair traffic enforcement techniques, and dramatically increasing resources dedicated to this problem.
Ultimately, Vision Zero has been a major step forward. But by itself, a vision is not enough. When an admirable vision is only partially implemented, the good intentions behind it start to lose credibility. And worse yet, our fellow San Diegans continue to die on our streets. We can do better.
PRESENTATIONS
Press Conference: On November 12, 2024 Circulate San Diego held a press conference announcing the report's findings. Watch it here.
Lunch and Learn. On November 21 at Noon, Policy Counsel Will Moore will host an online discussion of the report's findings. RSVP here if you wish to attend.
PRESS
New report says pedestrian, cyclist deaths have increased in San Diego since 2014, CBS 8 San Diego, November 12, 2024
New report shows City of San Diego falling short on Vision Zero initiative, ABC 10 San Diego, November 12, 2024
Report suggests bigger vehicles, slow construction timelines led to San Diego's 'Vision Zero' failure, KPBS, November 12, 2024
Pedestrian deaths increase in San Diego despite road safety improvements: report, NBC 7 San Diego, November 12, 2024
San Diego pledged to end pedestrian traffic deaths. They've only increased, Axios San Diego, November 12, 2024
Más peatones han muerto en la actualidad en San Diego que hace 10 años, Telemundo 20 San Diego, November 12, 2024
Safety advocates press for more urgency to protect San Diego’s pedestrians, Fox 5 San Diego, November 12, 2024
San Diego pledged to end pedestrian traffic deaths. They've only increased, Axios San Diego, November 12, 2024
San Diego traffic deaths climb 10 years after Vision Zero, rigid bollards pose risk to bikes, and who we share the road with, Biking in LA, November 13, 2024
Report: San Diego’s Lack of Progress on Vision Zero Mirrors Nationwide Trend, Planetizen, November 19, 2024
PAIN INTO PURPOSE: SD woman pushing for safer streets after death of husband, ABC10, February 6, 2025
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MEDIA ADVISORY: PRESS CONFERENCE - November 12 at 8AM - Circulate Releases “Vision Zero at Ten Years” Citing Increased Pedestrian Deaths
MEDIA ADVISORY
PRESS CONFERENCE: Circulate Releases “Vision Zero at Ten Years” Citing Increased Pedestrian Deaths
Contact: Will Moore, Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego - 858-210-7999 | [email protected]
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 8 AM
Where: Intersection of University Ave and 44th St., San Diego, CA 92105
Who:
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- Jeremy Bloom, Interim CEO, Circulate San Diego;
- Will Moore, Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego;
- Families of pedestrians and cyclists killed in traffic crashes
- What: More pedestrians are being killed than they were ten years ago. On Tuesday, November 12, at 8 AM, Circulate will launch its latest report – “Vision Zero at Ten Years – Struggling Forward in a Safety Crisis.” This report analyzes San Diego’s efforts to make our streets safer for everyone. Circulate’s Policy Counsel, Will Moore, will present the report’s findings, and be joined by families of pedestrians and cyclists killed in traffic crashes
In 2015, Circulate helped push the City of San Diego to adopt Vision Zero – committing to eliminate traffic-related deaths by 2025. Since then, San Diego has made commendable strides toward improving road safety, implementing a range of measures designed to protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. For example, the city has begun designing roads to be safe for all users, not just drivers. It has also established a practical approach to reduce injuries and deaths even when drivers and pedestrians make inevitable mistakes.
Despite these initiatives, deaths continue to rise. Deaths in San Diego are rising more slowly than the abysmal national trend – but that is no solace to the dozens of families who lose loved ones on our streets every year.
San Diego’s new approach, while praiseworthy, has not ripened into enough fully implemented safety measures to decrease deaths – much less bring them to zero. The report recommends increasing resources and expanding efforts to reduce costs and to speed up construction. Circulate and its Vision Zero allies call on the City to implement its plans with the urgency and commitment this safety crisis demands.
Visuals:
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- Cover of “Vision Zero at Ten Years – Struggling Forward in a Safety Crisis.”
- Chart showing increased pedestrian deaths in the past ten years
- Copies of the report “Vision Zero at Ten Years – Struggling Forward in a Safety Crisis.”
- Families of pedestrians and cyclists killed in traffic crashes.
- Advocates and members of the Vision Zero Coalition
- A “Fatal 15” intersection – in the midst of a needed repair
Interviews will be available after the press conference in both English and Spanish.
A downloadable pdf of this media advisory is available here.
About Circulate San Diego
Circulate San Diego is a regional nonprofit think tank dedicated to advancing mobility and making the region a better place to move, work, learn and play. Our work focuses on creating great mobility choices, more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, and land uses that promote sustainable growth. For more information, go to www.circulatesd.org.
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Circulate San Diego published PRESS RELEASE - A Haunting Halloween Reminder: Drivers Be Alert for Little Ghosts and Goblins on the Go in Press Room 2024-10-31 10:51:54 -0700
PRESS RELEASE – Oct 31, 2024 - A Haunting Halloween Reminder: Drivers Be Alert for Little Ghosts and Goblins on the Go
For Immediate Release October 31, 2024
Contact: Will Moore, Policy Counsel – 858-210-7999 | [email protected]
A Haunting Halloween Reminder: Drivers Be Alert for Little Ghosts and Goblins on the Go
San Diego, Calif. – Halloween is the ultimate pedestrian holiday (during National Pedestrian Safety Month, no less) with little kids and their adults trick-or-treating in fun costumes. But the deadliest monster in your neighborhood doesn’t need a costume: it’s your car!
Circulate San Diego is issuing a fang-tastic reminder encouraging drivers to be extra careful as more children are out walking the neighborhood haunting for treats.
“Driving under the influence turns an eerie night into a real-life nightmare,” Circulate San Diego Planning Director Carlisle Dockery said. “If your night involves boos at a Halloween party, make sure you plan for a sober ride home. Even one drink can impair judgment.”
Halloween night can be especially dangerous on our nation’s roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), adults between the ages of 21 and 34 had the highest percentage (54%) of fatalities in drunk-driving crashes on Halloween night between 2018 and 2022.
Whether you are celebrating the spirit of Halloween or Día de los Muertos, Circulate San Diego offers the following tips for families to be as safe as possible and share the road safely:
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- Remember that cars don’t need costumes because they are already the deadliest monsters in our community.
- Don’t drive at all if you don’t have to - take the trolley or bus, or bike, or catch a cab!
- Slow down and watch out for more foot traffic in residential neighborhoods.
- Take extra time looking for trick-or-treaters at intersections and entering/exiting driveways.
- Never drive distracted or impaired.
- If you are heading to a local bar, restaurant or house party and plan to drink, bring the designated sober driver with you, use public transit or a ride-hailing service, or stay the night.
- Stick to familiar, well-lit routes.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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A downloadable version of this Press Release is available here
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Circulate San Diego published 2024-07-30 PRESS RELEASE - SD City Council Allows Desperately Needed Housing in University City in Press Room 2024-07-30 19:50:54 -0700
PRESS RELEASE - SD City Council Allows Desperately Needed Housing in University City
PRESS RELEASE
City of San Diego Authorizes Desperately Needed Additional Housing In University City
Contact: Will Moore, Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego - 858-210-7999 | [email protected]
Today, on July 30, 2024, the San Diego City Council adopted a major update to the decades-old University Community Plan. The new plan builds on the growth of San Diego’s biotech and communications industry hubs and allows for desperately needed housing in the University City Neighborhood. This new University Community Plan allows for approximately 30,000 potential additional homes and approximately 60,000 new potential new jobs in coming years.
Circulate, alongside its allies, has championed updating this plan to address the urgent need for increased homes and access to transit in our region. Circulate’s report "Making the Most of The Mid-Coast Trolley" highlighted the significant benefits the University City community could enjoy from expanding housing options in the area. Adding capacity for jobs and homes is essential to getting the economic, climate, and equity benefits of the $2.2 billion investment in the Mid-Coast Trolley.
While this updated plan authorizes twice as much housing capacity in the area, these plans are usually updated on thirty-year time-frames. Over such a time span, that represents only a 2.4% rate of annual growth.
The City’s Environmental Impact Report concluded that a higher-density option, which would have added even more housing capacity, would have been the "environmentally superior alternative." A broad, demographically representative sample of 2,600 residents were surveyed in 2021 and overwhelmingly supported that more robust alternative. Circulate and other community groups promoted that alternative over the past three years. Sadly, the City shrunk from the opportunity to adopt that more aggressive option.
Nonetheless, the adopted new plan represents a major step forward. University City will be a pivotal regional hub for San Diego for generations to come. Circulate is heartened to see that the newly-adopted University Community Plan reflects this reality.
Will Moore, Policy Director of Circulate San Diego, said that “Ultimately, this University Community Plan Update is a major victory for the region. It takes advantage of our substantial infrastructure investments, making the most of the Mid-Coast trolley. In the long term, this update will make San Diego a better place for our both leading industries and the families in our community.”
A downloadable copy of this Press Release is available here.
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About Circulate San Diego
Circulate San Diego is a regional nonprofit think tank dedicated to advancing mobility and making the region a better place to move, work, learn and play. Our work focuses on creating great mobility choices, more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, and land uses that promote sustainable growth. For more information, go to www.circulatesd.org.
News Hits
San Diego City Council approves plans for more housing in Hillcrest, University City, NBC 7, July 30, 2024
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Circulate San Diego published Policy Letter: SANDAG - LOSSAN Realignment - Proceed With EIR Without Delay in Policy Letters 2024-07-19 14:20:59 -0700
Policy Letter: SANDAG - LOSSAN Realignment - Proceed With EIR Without Delay
Circulate submitted a comment to SANDAG on the Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report for the LOSSAN Rail Realignment.
Circulate encouraged SANDAG to move quickly and efficiently to complete all necessary studies and implement the much-needed LOSSAN Rail Realignment project without further delay.
Read the full letter here.
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Circulate San Diego published PRESS RELEASE - Metropolitan Transit System Implements Easy Fare Payments in Press Room 2024-07-19 05:38:53 -0700
PRESS RELEASE - Metropolitan Transit System Implements Easy Fare Payments
PRESS RELEASE
Metropolitan Transit System Implements Easy Fare Payments
Contact: Will Moore, Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego - 858-210-7999 | [email protected]
This week, the Metropolitan Transit System updated its PRONTO payment system to make fares easier to pay using contactless payments. Now riders can pay fares with their bank cards (debit cards, credit cards, prepaid cards), and mobile wallets (e.g. Apple Pay, Google pay, etc.).
Previously, if you had a guest in town, they would have to download the PRONTO app and set up an account before they could join you on a simple trolley ride to the ballpark. Now they can just tap their credit card on the reader at the station or on the bus. It’s the same way many people already pay for things at a store.
Will Moore, Policy Director for Circulate said, “This will benefit all riders of the system, since a familiar payment system reduces confusion and gets everybody on the trolley or the bus faster.”
Connor Proctor, a founding member of Ride SD said, “This will make it simple and easy for San Diegans to start using public transit, helping our region meet its climate action goals.”
Circulate has urged MTS to implement free transfers and stored value since 2016, recommendations that were implemented by the creation of the PRONTO system. RideSD and Circulate have both urged the implementation of a robust system for easy fare payment. The most recent letters from both organizations, explaining the benefits of the new system, are linked here and here, and attached to this Press Release. Circulate also detailed how easy fare payments improve service times in its October 2022 report “Fast Bus.”
We commend MTS staff for working to quickly release contactless payments with free transfers. However, the new system as launched lacks important features: riders should be able to benefit from fare-capping and should be able to register their bank cards to their transit accounts to take advantage of reduced fares. These features are said to be forthcoming, but unfortunately do not have an announced timeline for implementation. Circulate and RideSD will continue to advocate that MTS promptly complete the implementation of the new easier fare payment system.
Circulate and RideSD are pleased to see this change, giving San Diegans improved, faster, and easier-to-use transit options.
A pdf version of this press release can be found here.
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About Circulate San Diego
Circulate San Diego is a regional nonprofit think tank dedicated to advancing mobility and making the region a better place to move, work, learn and play. Our work focuses on creating great mobility choices, more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, and land uses that promote sustainable growth. For more information, go to www.circulatesd.org.About Ride SD
Ride SD is a nonprofit coalition of transit riders working to improve the transit experience in San Diego through education, community building, and advocacy. For more information, go to ridesd.org -
Circulate San Diego published A Better Coastal Commission in Policy Reports 2024-06-14 04:52:58 -0700
A Better Coastal Commission
Read moreReport Summary
In recent years, the California Legislature has adopted a variety of new policies to encourage more affordable homes, reduce residential segregation, and fight climate change. Unfortunately, the California Coastal Commission has often undermined or ignored the adopted policy direction of the Legislature, and it needs reform.
The California Coastal Commission has an important and longstanding mission to preserve access to the coast for all Californians. The Legislature has granted the Coastal Commission authority under the Coastal Act to review and approve housing and transportation projects near the coast.
Housing reform legislation in recent years has largely focused on providing easier approval for projects that include deed-restricted affordable homes, especially in high opportunity areas. These policies serve multiple goals: increasing affordability, reducing residential segregation, and allowing people to reduce their impact on the climate by having to drive shorter distances or to drive less frequently.
A core example of that sort of legislation is California Density Bonus Law. Density Bonus Law precludes the denial of a housing development, and grants a variety of waivers and concessions, if a project includes a certain number of deed-restricted affordable homes. Existing legislation requires Density Bonus Law to be harmonized with the Coastal Act.
This report documents numerous examples where the Coastal Commission has resisted, opposed, and delayed the construction of deed-restricted affordable homes that use programs like Density Bonus Law. This is even true for projects on land that is already zoned for multi-family housing, in plans already approved by the Coastal Commission itself.
Similarly, this report documents examples where the Coastal Commission opposes projects that the Legislature encourages as a part of California’s efforts to combat climate change. Crosswalks, bicycle lanes, and infill development near transit are all goals of recent statewide legislation, yet the Coastal Commission opposes or delays many of these projects. Their decisions to prioritize car travel above all other modes is inconsistent with modern climate goals, as adopted by the Legislature.
This report recommends the following reforms for the Coastal Commission:
- Amend Density Bonus Law to require its implementation by the Coastal Commission, as proposed in AB 2560 (2024).
- Remove or narrow the special exemptions that keep housing reforms from applying to the coast.
- Mandate procedural reforms at the Coastal Commission.
- Apply transportation and climate policy to the Coastal Zone.
- Avoid creating, or narrowly draw, coastal exemptions to new housing legislation.
- Look skeptically on Coastal Commission requests for more authority.
The Legislature is the only body capable of fixing this problem. With reforms, the Legislature can create a better Coastal Commission.
PRESENTATIONS
Press Conference: On June 14, 2024 Circulate San Diego and Assemblymember David Alvarez held a press Conference. Watch it here.
Virtual Press Conference: On June 14, 2024 Circulate CEO Colin Parent and Policy Policy Counsel, Will Moore, held a virtual Press Conference. Watch it here.
Lunch and Learn. On June 20th Report Author and Policy Counsel held a deep dive into the report. Watch, here.
PRESS
Fresh batch of YIMBY housing bills clash with coastal protections (again), CalMatters, March 18, 2024
Report accuses California Coastal Commission of adding to racially segregated housing, The Sacramento Bee, June 13, 2024
California Coastal Commission responds to report it worsens housing crisis: ‘Disgraceful,’ The Sacramento Bee, June 13, 2024
Report documents California Coastal Commission's resistance to new housing, KPBS, June 14, 2024
The California Playbook, Politico, June 14, 2024
New report accuses California Coastal Commission of blocking affordable housing, bike lanes, CBS8, June 14, 2024
Critics say California Coastal Commission resists, delays affordable-housing projects, NBC7, June 14, 2024
New report accuses California Coastal Commission of blocking affordable housing, bike lanes, ABC 10, June 14, 2024
Harsh allegations against California’s Coastal Commission, Fox5, June 14, 2024
Critics say California Coastal Commission resists, delays affordable-housing projects, NBC 4 Los Angeles, June 14, 2024
Circulate SD seeks reforms to Coastal Commission, The Daily Transcript, June 14, 2024
Report: California Coastal Commission Often Stymies Affordable Housing Plans, Times of San Diego, June 16, 2024
NIMBY Towns, Fake Parks, and Eminent Domain, Reason, June 18, 2024
Has the Coastal Commission made housing and climate crises worse? It’s offended at even the suggestion, The San DIego Union Tribune, June 19, 2024
Sacramento Report: Housing Advocates Clash with Coastal Commission, Voice of San Diego, June 24, 2024
California coastal agency erodes climate and housing goals, Santa Barbara Sun, June 26, 2024
Reforming California’s coastal law can restore balance between housing and environment, Santa Monica Daily Press, June 26, 2024
Appealing to Itself: Land Use, Permitting, and the California Coastal Commission, Pacific Legal Foundation, January 2025
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Circulate San Diego published MEDIA ADVISORY - June 14 @ 9AM - Press Conference - "A Better Coastal Commission" report in Press Room 2024-06-13 12:58:16 -0700
Media Advisory - June 14 @ 9AM - Press Conference - "A Better Coastal Commission" report
Media Advisory
Press Conference: How the California Coastal Commission is Blocking Affordable Housing
When: Friday, June 14, 2024 - 9-10 a.m. PT
Where: Spanish Landing Park, 3900 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
The press conference will be held at the westernmost end of Spanish Landing, Parking accessible by turning south onto Spanish Landing West from North Harbor Drive. Please see the map with parking details below.
Speakers:
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- Assemblymember David Alvarez,California 80th District (Bilingual in Spanish)
- Will Moore,Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego (Lead Report Author)
- Marcela Escobar Eck,CEO of Atlantis Group, former Director for the Development Services Department for the City of San Diego (Bilingual in Spanish)
Media Contact: Sandy Young, J. Walcher Communications, 619-295-7140, [email protected]
California faces a housing crisis, and the California Coastal Commission is not helping. In a new report, Circulate San Diego investigates how the Coastal Commission, which is supposed to be one of California’s great progressive institutions, continually opposes affordable housing and climate-friendly transportation projects.
This has had major ripple effects on housing markets statewide, as more people are forced to move away from the coastal areas where they have previously lived and worked, driving up prices in traditionally more affordable inland communities. Ironically, in doing so, the Coastal Commission (which was created to “protect and enhance California’s coast”) is also hindering California’s attempts to cut greenhouse gas emissions by forcing longer car commutes and blocking projects that aren’t car-friendly.
Multiple case studies in the report highlight how this has happened with specific planned projects in San Diego and Encinitas, as well as other coastal communities in Los Angeles and Santa Cruz. The report also offers solutions that the Coastal Commission can embrace to do better, fulfill its mission and match its words to its actions.
The report, “A Better Coastal Commission,” will officially launch publicly on Friday, June 14, during a press conference at Spanish Landing Park in San Diego. The park is near the site of a case study highlighted in the report: West Point Loma Blvd., where Coastal Commission officials denied a bike lane, which resulted in a major accident this year that gravely injured a 41-year-old cyclist.
A downloadable pdf of this Media Advisory is available here.
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Circulate San Diego published Press Release - City Council Adds Funding To #FixTheFatal15 in Press Room 2024-06-11 17:59:32 -0700
Press Release - City Council Adds Funding To #FixTheFatal15
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
San Diego City Council Improves Street Safety in San Diego by Adding Funding to #FixTheFatal15
Contact: Will Moore, Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego - 858-210-7999 | [email protected]
Throughout this year’s budget process, Circulate San Diego and our Vision Zero Coalition allies have highlighted the worst intersections in San Diego, the Fatal 15. We have urged cost-effective recommendations for their improvement.
Road safety is an intractable problem that kills around fifty San Diegans per year. San Diego committed to Vision Zero years ago, but deaths remain stubbornly high. The City Council showed strong leadership today by adding funds for road safety. But the intractable problem of pedestrian and cyclist deaths will continue without strong leadership from all of our elected officials.
The Vision Zero coalition was pleased to see eight intersections slated for rehabilitation in Mayor Gloria's proposed budget. But we were disappointed that this meant “Seven Deadly Leftovers” were not included in the proposed FY2025 budget from Mayor Gloria’s office. Without a change, they would have remained in their dangerous condition for another year.
Over the past month Circulate and our Vision Zero allies have called for additional funding to fix the “Seven Deadly Leftovers.” Family members of victims and other activists held press conferences and rallies at dangerous intersections, wrote policy letters, and organized direct communications from community members to city elected officials.
Tonight, all nine City Councilmembers showed leadership by banding together to #FixTheFatal15 and adding additional funds to the transportation budget for road safety. Said Circulate Policy Counsel Will Moore, “Circulate and our Vision Zero allies thank all of the members of the City Council for finding the funds for Vision Zero and to #FixTheFatal15.”
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About Circulate San Diego
Circulate San Diego is a regional nonprofit think tank dedicated to advancing mobility andmaking the region a better place to move, work, learn and play. Our work focuses on creatinggreat mobility choices, more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, and land uses that promotesustainable growth. For more information, go to www.circulatesd.org.
A pdf version of this Press Release can be found here.
News Links
Proposed San Diego budget includes funding to improve dangerous intersections, NBC7, June 11, 2024
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Circulate San Diego published Circulate San Diego and Vision Zero Coalition Urge Council To Adopt IBA Recommendation To #FixTheFatal15 in Press Room 2024-06-05 15:39:25 -0700
Circulate San Diego and Vision Zero Coalition Urge Council To Adopt IBA Recommendation To #FixTheFatal15
PRESS RELEASE
Circulate San Diego and Vision Zero Coalition Allies Call on City Council to Follow Through on IBA Recommendation To Add $785,000 To #FixTheFatal15
Contact: Will Moore, Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego - 858-210-7999 | [email protected]
Throughout this year’s budget process, Circulate San Diego and our Vision Zero Coalition allies have highlighted the worst intersections in San Diego, the Fatal 15. We have urged cost-effective recommendations for their improvement.
In prior years, Mayor Faulconer funded fixes for the Fatal 15, for which he was widely praised in the press. This year, we were pleased to see eight of the Fatal 15 slated for rehabilitation the draft budgets released by Mayor Gloria. But we were disappointed that this meant “Seven Deadly Leftovers” would remain in their dangerous condition.
Fortunately, every member of the City Council responded by highlighting the need to improve street safety for pedestrians – almost all of them calling out Vision Zero and the Fatal 15 by name in their May budget memos.
On June 4, 2024, the Independent Budget Analyst released a report analyzing those councilmember priorities. Thankfully, the IBA suggested that additional amounts be “appropriated to eligible existing Vision Zero - Fixing the Most Dangerous Intersection capital projects” in the amount of $785,000, as requested by our coalition. This is a step on the way to a victory for road safety.
On Friday, June 7, 2024, the City Council Budget Committee will have the opportunity to make San Diego safer by adopting that IBA recommendation. Circulate and our Vision Zero Coalition allies urge them to follow through by adopting the modification outlined on p. 6 of the June 4 IBA report – dedicating $785,000 to fund Vision Zero and #FixTheFatal15.
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About Circulate San Diego
Circulate San Diego is a regional nonprofit think tank dedicated to advancing mobility and making the region a better place to move, work, learn and play. Our work focuses on creating great mobility choices, more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, and land uses that promote sustainable growth. For more information, go to www.circulatesd.org.
