Davida has worked in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (A/E/C) industry for over 17 years. A well-rounded marketing professional with a strong background in administrative and office management her roles ranged from front desk first impressions, to managing job-site/project administration, to leading and working with design teams developing robust technical proposals to win work. She is a graduate of University of Phoenix with a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing.
She recently returns to San Diego after a four-year stint in New York City and is enjoying her hometown in a whole new way, including taking mass transit for business and pleasure! When she is not managing Circulate’s office operations, she is running her mobile spray tanning business, working out, or enjoying live music. She thoroughly enjoys working with and supporting a positive team with a vision to create a dynamic change in the community.
Davida Garcia's activity stream
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Circulator - 02/06/2026
- Memorial and Ghost Bike Installation Honoring Hudson O’Loughlin
- Thanks for Joining Us to Kick Off 2026!
- Corporate Member Spotlight: Flagship Cruises & Events
- San Diego High School Pedestrian Audit
- Join Us For A Bike Ride & Mobility Assessment!
- Circulate’s Presentation for the Imperial Beach City Council
- MTS Fare Change Study
- Circulate News
Memorial and Ghost Bike Installation Honoring Hudson O’Loughlin
This week, around 100 family, friends, and community members gathered to honor Hudson O’Loughlin. Hudson was stuck and killed by a hit-and-run driver on January 17, 2026. He was six-years-old.
Attendees gathered at Crown Point Elementary for a memorial ceremony. Hudson’s mother, Juliana, memorialized her son, and called to continue honoring him by working for safer streets. Jessica Sportelli and David Cuthell (BeautifulPB), Laura Keenan (Families For Safe Streets San Diego), Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, and Anar Salayev (BikeSD) also called for action on road safety.
Following the formal memorial, attendees participated in a memorial walk to the crash site on Pacific Beach Drive. There, Hudson’s family installed a ghost bike in his honor. Ghost Bike is a common memorial to cyclists that were killed in traffic violence.
Circulate collaborated with BeautifulPB, Families for Safe Streets San Diego, San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, BikeSD, and Bikes Del Pueblo to organize the event.
Thanks for Joining Us to Kick Off 2026!
We’re grateful to everyone who joined us for Circulate’s first membership mixer of 2026. It was a wonderful nigh as we celebrated our accomplishments from the past year and kicked off the exciting work ahead.
A special thank you to Assemblymember Chris Ward and Tom Steyer for joining us and lending their leadership, insight, and support. We’re also deeply thankful to our corporate sponsors and individual members whose generosity and commitment make our events—and our mission—possible.
Whether you joined us in person or are engaging with Circulate in other ways, we’re glad to be building this movement together. Stay connected for more opportunities to learn, engage, and take action.
More Circulate events are coming soon—we hope to see you there!
Corporate Member Spotlight: Flagship Cruises & Events
San Diego Bay’s iconic ferries, the Silvergate and the Cabrillo, have officially been added to the National Register of Historic Places, earning national recognition for their cultural and maritime significance. Both vessels are owned and operated by Flagship Cruises & Events, San Diego’s oldest family-owned maritime company.
For generations, these ferries have been an essential part of the region’s transportation network, reminding us that San Diego has always relied on many modes of transportation to connect people, neighborhoods, and jobs.
The Silvergate, built in 1940, carried wartime workers between San Diego and Coronado. The Cabrillo, designed in 1964 by renowned naval architect Oakley J. Hall, continues to reflect the craftsmanship of a growing waterfront city.
Founded in 1915, Flagship Cruises & Events still plays a vital role in moving people across the bay through ferry service, tours, dining cruises, and charters. Today, they are also leading the way toward a cleaner future with plans for fully electric, zero-emissions ferries.
We’re proud to celebrate Flagship as a Circulate San Diego corporate member.
San Diego High School Pedestrian Audit
On Wednesday, Circulate partnered with San Diego High School’s 10th grade engineering class to host a pedestrian audit in Downtown San Diego. The group traveled primarily along Park Boulevard to assess safety concerns for pedestrians walking and biking around the school.
Before the audit, Circulate conducted a helmet survey at the intersection of Russ Boulevard and Park Boulevard to observe how many people were wearing helmets while biking, scootering, or skateboarding. This intersection connects San Diego High School, Urban Discovery Academy, and San Diego City College and experiences high pedestrian foot traffic during drop off and pick up times.
During the audit, the group observed inconsistencies in the bike lane infrastructure, narrow sidewalks, and drivers failing to yield while pedestrians were crossing. The group discussed potential improvements such as adding audible pedestrian push buttons or rapid flashing beacons, restriping faded crosswalks, and extending protected bike lane infrastructure throughout Park Boulevard.
Thank you to San Diego High School’s sophomore class for participating and helping document our findings. Stay tuned for the full report.
Join Us For A Bike Ride & Mobility Assessment!
Circulate San Diego is partnering with the San Diego River Park Foundation’s One-Mile Action Crew (OMAC) for a high-impact Community Mobility Assessment on Friday, March 13th @ 3:30 PM.
We will embark on a ride along the San Diego River Trail, starting at Old Town (specific meeting point provided upon registration) and turning around at Grant Park. This route was specifically chosen to evaluate areas and critical infrastructure gaps, as well as enjoying the San Diego River Trail.
Please note: The San Diego River Park Foundation is hosting registration on their page for this event.
Circulate’s Presentation for the Imperial Beach City Council
This past Wednesday, February 4th, Circulate had the pleasure of giving a presentation to Imperial Beach’s City Council.
In late 2024, Circulate was awarded a grant by the City of Imperial Beach through the California Office of Traffic Safety to conduct several activities regarding pedestrian and bicycle safety. This presentation served as an opportunity to give Imperial Beach’s City Council an update as to how programming has gone and what programming is still to come.
We are grateful to Imperial Beach’s friendly City staff for helping coordinate this presentation and we look forward to continue conducting work within the City.
MTS Fare Change Study
San Diego’s transit agencies are facing significant budget shortages in the next few years, which could affect services. As part of its strategy to close the budget gap, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is studying fare changes.
In the month of February, MTS is asking the public about two fare change packages. MTS will hold four workshops, where the public can learn about MTS’s strategy to close the budget gap, review the fare change packages, and participate in group discussions to provide feedback.
In addition, riders can stop by an MTS booth at select transit centers in February.
Can’t make it in person? You can also review the proposals and provide feedback online (starting in mid-February) at www.sdmts.com/farechange
Circulate News
Bloomington Receives $1.44 Million Federal Grant to Boost Road Safety in Vision Zero 2039 Plan, Hoodline, February 2, 2026
He was a light': Ghost bike memorial honors 6-year-old killed in Pacific Beach hit-and-run, FOX 5 San Diego, February 3, 2026
Memorial walk, 'ghost bike' dedication Tuesday for 6-year-old killed in PB hit-and-run, NBC 7 San Diego, February 2, 2026
'Ghost Bike' Dedication Today For 6-Year-Old Killed In PB Hit-And-Run | San Diego, California, Star 94.1 – iHeart, February 3, 2026
6-year-old killed in Pacific Beach hit-and-run remembered - NBC 7 San Diego, NBC 7 San Diego, February 3, 2026
Community honors 6-year-old Hudson O'Loughlin killed in Pacific Beach hit-and-run - 10News.com, 10News.com, February 3, 2026
Memorial walk, 'ghost bike' dedication for 6-year-old boy killed in Pacific Beach hit-and-run, CBS 8, February 3, 2026
Al Dia de Mediodia Interview, Noticias San Diego, February 3, 2026
Recuerdan a niño que murió atropellado en Pacific Beach, Telemundo San Diego, February 4, 2026
Community turns out for memorial of 6-year-old killed in Pacific Beach crash, Beach and Bay Press, February 4, 2026
Letter of Support: San Ysidro Transit Center Improvements Project, January 29, 2026
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Circulator - 01/23/2026
Join us for our Winter Membership Mixer
We’re excited to share that Tom Steyer, candidate for California Governor*, will be at Circulate’s Winter Membership Mixer THIS THURSDAY, with Assemblymember Chris Ward* joining us too.
Tom Steyer will speak about the urgency of climate action and the role leadership plays in building more sustainable, equitable communities. Assemblymember Ward will offer remarks on what’s ahead for housing, transportation, and climate policy in San Diego and across the state. Their remarks will be followed by time to connect with fellow supporters, members, and local leaders.
*Disclaimer: We’re excited to host a variety of community leaders, elected officials, and candidates at the Winter Mixer! Circulate San Diego is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and does not endorse or oppose political candidates. This is not a campaign event—any candidate appearances are purely informational.
Tragic Hit-and-Run in Pacific Beach Highlights Need for Safety
This week, our community was shaken by a heartbreaking tragedy. A 6-year-old child, Hudson, was killed by a hit-and-run driver making a left turn on Ingraham Street, part of the Pacific Beach bike path just a block from an elementary school.
Circulate San Diego COO Jeremy Bloom spoke with NBC 7 about this preventable loss, emphasizing that enough is enough. Our streets must be designed to protect the most vulnerable, not put them in harm’s way.
You can take action:
Call for safer streets: Send an email to your city elected officials urging them to prioritize Vision Zero street safety investments. Take Action, Today!
Support Hudson’s family: Contribute to the GoFundMe set up for the family. Contribute to the GoFundMe set up for the family.
Demand justice: Join the San Diego Bicycle Coalition in a letter-writing campaign urging the County District Attorney to pursue charges that reflect the crime committed against Hudson. Sign and Share
AgeWell Services Senior Resource Fair
Join Circulate at the 2026 AgeWell Services Senior Resource Fair to connect with local senior-service providers and learn about age-friendly and recreational programs available throughout San Diego.
Circulate will be hosting a table at the event, and we will be sharing information about our programs and bringing fun, educational safety items for attendees. Stop by to learn more about how we support safer, more accessible streets for people of all ages.
Circulate CEO Speaks at New Laws Panel Hosted by LAI
Earlier this week, Circulate CEO and General Counsel Colin Parent spoke on a panel hosted by the San Diego Chapter of Lambda Alpha International.
The panel focused on new housing laws in California. Colin also previewed data from Circulate’s forthcoming report on the statewide use of Density Bonus Law.
Circulate sponsored two major bills to expand the impact of Density Bonus Law in 2020 and 2023. For each of those years, they represented the most impactful housing production laws signed by Governor Newsom.Circulate News
After 30% Spike in 2024, New Jersey Traffic Deaths Drop by 15% in 2025, Planetizen, January 6, 2026
How new housing, homelessness plans will change North County in 2026, inewsource, January 8, 2026
S.F. sees record drop in pedestrian fatalities, bucking statewide trends, San Francisco Chronicle, January 8, 2026
Mayor Wilson Plots Big Seattle Housing Upzone Shakeup, Hoodline, January 18, 2026
This emerging group of young transit advocates wants to reshape how San Diego gets around, The San Diego Union Tribune, January 21, 2026
Pacific Beach, San Diego Hit-and-Run Kills 6-Year-Old on Bicycle; Suspect Arrested in National City, Gosuites.com, January 19, 2026
San Diego Bike Coalition advocates for safer roads after Pacific Beach tragedy, FOX 5News, January 20, 2026
Police identify suspect in deadly hit-and-run of boy in Pacific Beach, NBC 7 News, January 19, 2026
Policy Letter: Preservation and Progress Package A, January 13, 2026
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Circulator - 01/09/2026
- Save The Date: Circulate’s Winter Membership Mixer
- Checkoff your first New Year’s Resolution: Join or renew your Circulate Corporate Membership!
- Save SANDAG Bike Projects Call to Action
- Muirlands Middle School Pedestrian Audit Recap
- Circulate CEO with Op-Ed in Union Tribune
- Work Annivesary Spotlight: Octavio Garcia
- Webinar: Electrolink – Modern Passenger Rail Service for Southern California
- Circulate News
Save The Date: Circulate’s Winter Membership Mixer
Happy New Year! Start the year off right by joining us for Circulate’s first membership mixer of 2026
Event Details:
When: Thursday, January 29, 2026 - 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Where: Circulate’s Office at B-Side Lounge (701 B Street, San Diego, CA 92101)Join us for an evening of networking, free drinks, music, and celebrations with Circulate staff members, local decision-makers, and professionals in the land use and transportation space.
Checkoff your first New Year’s Resolution: Join or renew your Circulate Corporate Membership!
With 2026 underway, now is the best time to sign up and take advantage Circulate Membership’s year-round benefits.
Corporate Membership with Circulate is for the calendar year, providing your organization with visibility throughout 2026 and include:
- Access to decision makers and influencers
- Visibility in our email newsletter, website, and social media reaching over 10,000 people
- Special recognition at Circulate events, including our annual Momentum Awards
- Special invites to our Policy Committee, Advisory Circle Dinner, and briefings based on your giving level
- Plus, you will support housing affordability and improved mobility in the region
Save SANDAG Bike Projects Call to Action
In 2013, SANDAG promised they would deliver critical bicycle and pedestrian projects as part of an Early Action Program. Now, over a decade later, many of these projects have not been constructed or funded.
Local advocates are leading a campaign to call on SANDAG to follow through on their promises and deliver these critical projects.
Muirlands Middle School Pedestrian Audit Recap
On Thursday, Circulate partnered with Muirlands Middle School to host a pedestrian audit in La Jolla. The group surveyed the busy stretch of Nautilus Street and assessed safety concerns for people walking and biking—particularly near the middle school.
Before the audit, participants gathered in front of the school during pick-up to observe driver behavior as students were dismissed. The group noted frequent driver–pedestrian and bicycle conflicts, speeding vehicles, short crossing windows, drivers encroaching on sidewalks, and cars blocking bike lanes while waiting for students. Participants also observed limited daylighting and a lack of marked crosswalks around the school.
During the audit, the group discussed potential improvements to the area, such as installing a mid-block crossing and increasing crossing time at the crosswalk in front of the school. The focus was on making the area safer and more comfortable for students, staff, and drivers traveling to and from campus.
Thank you to Muirlands Middle School staff who participated and helped document our findings. Stay tuned for the full report!
Circulate CEO with Op-Ed in Union Tribune
Last week, Circulate’s CEO and General Counsel published a guest editorial in the Union Tribune, recognizing the impact of bonus programs in the City of San Diego.
Recently the City of San Diego released an annual report on housing permits. The numbers are striking: more than half the homes permitted in 2024 used these bonus programs. While Community Plan updates dominate public debate, bonus programs are quietly delivering results.Not only are the bonus programs creating more homes overall, they’re also driving the production of deed-restricted affordable homes. San Diego’s Independent Budget Analyst found that 70 percent of all affordable units permitted between 2021 and 2024 used the Density Bonus Program. During that same year, the City’s inclusionary policy resulted in only one unit.
Circulate was the champion of the City of San Diego’s 50% bonus program, and we sponsored legislation to extend it statewide. Stay tuned for a report this year about the impact of that expansion throughout California.
Work Annivesary Spotlight: Octavio Garcia
It’s a celebration! Today we Congratulate Octavio Garcia on his 5 year work anniversary with Circulate!
As is our tradition, we interviewed Octavio so our supporters and members can see what he’s been up to.
Webinar: Electrolink – Modern Passenger Rail Service for Southern California
Join Californians for Electric Rail, Move California, and Seamless Bay Area for a webinar on how electrification, level boarding, and through-running for Metrolink, the Surfliner, and Coaster would transform Southern California transportation – and how we make it happen.
Featuring data from Californians for Electric Rail’s new whitepaper, and commentary from State Senator Catherine Blakespear, Ernesto Medrono, Executive Secretary of the LA/OC Building Trades, and Nolan Hicks of the NYU Transit Costs Project.
January 12th from 5-6 PM PST.
Circulate News
Summary Of SB 79 – Overriding Local Zoning Laws For Transit Oriented Housing Development, Mondaq, December 18, 2025
Did San Diego make the right call with a modest growth plan for Clairemont?, The San Diego Union Tribune, December 29, 2025
Transit fares are going up. Why do Canadian cities struggle to keep it affordable?, CBC, December 31, 2025
Dallas Cut Traffic Deaths Nearly in Half in 2025, Planetizen, January 1, 2026
Setbacks seen for redevelopment of 2 Carlsbad train stations, The San Diego Union Tribune, January 5, 2026
Opinion: Bonus programs delivering needed housing for San Diego, The San Diego Union Tribune, December 26, 2025
Letter of Support: Eastbrook to Shell Double Track 2025, December 19, 2025
Policy Letter: Community Parking District Revenue Priorities, January 9, 2026
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Davida Garcia published Work Anniversary Spotlight: Maria Walker in Blog Posts 2025-12-17 12:32:34 -0800
Work Anniversary Spotlight: Maria Walker
Work Anniversary Spotlight: Maria Walker
How many years have your worked for Circulate and what is your title?
I’ve worked at Circulate for 3 years now, and I’m an Associate Planner.If this is your 3rd or 5th year, which role did you start out as and which role are you in now? Describe the different type of tasks you perform.
When I joined Circulate in 2022, I started as an Assistant Planner fresh out of college. My early day to day work focused on supporting my colleagues with community engagement events and putting my design skills to work across our social media and project deliverables. I am now an Associate Planner and have had the opportunity to grow into a more hands on role coordinating these efforts. With this position has come growth in the work we do, and one of my favorite projects has been designing our new Traffic Calming Course. You’ll often find me next to it and engaging with people at community events. I value how my work connects directly to people’s daily experiences and am excited to continue growing as a planner!
During this time, what’s your most memorable face palm moment? Or what is your biggest achievement to date? Choose one.
One of my most memorable achievements has been coordinating a pedestrian audit with older adults living in City Heights. Throughout our audits, we walk with participants, take observations and photos of street conditions, and document what we learn to prepare a report. Residents shared how meaningful the experience was for them, and one participant surprised us with printed photos they had taken throughout the walk. I never would have expected to receive anything in return, but that moment stayed with me and reinforced why this work matters. Being able to connect with residents of all abilities and see how valued these efforts are within the community made the experience especially meaningful. It remains one of my proudest moments at Circulate.
What are you excited for about the future?
I just got an e bike and am excited to bike more in the coming year! As a professional “Walker,” I’ve spent a lot of time experiencing San Diego on foot, but I’m looking forward to exploring other mobility options and seeing the city from a different perspective. Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing as a planner and obtain a few certifications hopefully in the near future.
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Circulator - 12/05/2025
- Join, Renew, Get some Circulate Swag!
- Join us at Lindo Lake’s Snow Day Event!
- Save the Date: Bike With the Fire Chief & Holiday Toy Drive
- Sneak Peek at Our 2026 Plans
- Action Alert: Tell your officials to prioritize road safety
- Recap: 2024-2024 City of San Diego Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program
- Circulate CEO on podcast talking infrastructure with the Association of General Contractors
- Recap: Meet and Greet with OTS Community Engagement Coordinator
- Circulate News
Join, Renew, Get some Circulate Swag!
To close out the year, we’re extending our special Giving Tuesday thank-you through December 31.
Anyone who joins or renews at the $50 level or higher will receive a Circulate hoodie, long-sleeve shirt, or coffee tumbler. You’ll get to choose your item after you make your gift.
Your support helps drive our work for safer streets, faster transit, and more homes across San Diego. If you’ve been thinking about joining or renewing for 2026, now’s a great time.
Join us at Lindo Lake’s Snow Day Event!
Join us today at Lindo Lake for their Snow Day Event!
We will be bringing out our Traffic Calming Course and distributing pedestrian and bicycle safety materials. The 10-foot x 14-foot vinyl course showcases a variety of traffic calming treatments such as a roundabout, curb extensions, and protected bike lanes, among others. Along with the course comes a set of remote-controlled toy vehicles where participants are expected to navigate the course in a safe and controlled manner.
Stop by our table to try out the course and take home a bike light, reflective bracelet, or activity book!
Save the Date: Bike With the Fire Chief & Holiday Toy Drive
Join us on this Saturday, December 6th at the Bike With the Fire Chief & Toy Holiday Drive!
Get your bikes and helmets ready and bring any unwrapped toys to this year's 5-mile guided ride along the downtown waterfront with Fire Chief Logan! This event is open to all ages and will be led by certified instructors from the San Diego Bike Coalition.
For the YMCA Toy Drive - Please bring new and unwrapped toys for children ages 0-12. Toys will be distributed locally at the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA's community event and to children in Tijuana, Mexico.
In addition to the bike ride and toy drive, there will be several information booths at 2580 Kincaid Rd, San Diego. Come visit us and many other booths as we will be distributing pedestrian and bicycle safety materials to all those that stop by!
Sneak Peek at Our 2026 Plans
Circulate Members are invited to an exclusive Year-End Zoom Briefing on December 17 at noon for an early look at what we’ll be working on in 2026.
Hear directly from our staff and leadership about our priorities for the year ahead, and share your ideas and feedback during the discussion.
Reminder: Renew your Circulate Corporate Membership for 2026 by December 31 and receive a 10% renewal discount. Your support helps us keep building a safer, more connected San Diego.
ACTION ALERT: Tell your officials to prioritize road safety
Last month, Circulate San Diego launched an online tool for San Diegans to write to their elected officials and demand safer streets.
Nearly 50 pedestrians and cyclists are killed on City of San Diego streets each year. The City has pledged to end traffic deaths, but these numbers are not budging.
Circulate and safety advocates have repeatedly called on our elected officials to take action and fund safety improvements to stop deaths on our streets. The City has not answered this call. Now, Circulate is asking for YOUR help to call on our elected officials to fund road safety in 2026.
Recap: 2024-2024 City of San Diego Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program
This past year, Circulate teamed up with the City of San Diego to bring bicycle and pedestrian safety programs to residents across the city! With support from the California Office of Traffic Safety, Circulate delivered a packed lineup of impactful events and programs that made San Diego’s streets safer and more accessible for everyone.
The Circulate team worked hard throughout the year to deliver on this project and is looking forward to doing it all again for the 2025-26 cycle!
To learn more about the program and check out a few highlights, check out our blog post here.
Circulate CEO on podcast talking infrastructure with the Association of General Contractors
Earlier this week, our CEO and General Counsel Colin Parent was a guest on the new podcast from the Association of General Contractors, San Diego Chapter.
They discussed fixing California’s housing & transit bottlenecks, with a focus on our latest report “The Powerless Brokers: Why California Can’t Build Transit.Curious why major projects get stuck? How do permitting delays drive up costs? And what policy changes could finally move things forward? Colin breaks it all down.
Colin appears at about the 30 minute mark.
Recap: Meet and Greet with OTS Community Engagement Coordinator
On Thursday, December 4, Circulate was invited to meet with Elisa Ramirez, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Community Engagement Coordinator. The meet and greet was hosted by the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency in order to highlight Circulate’s work on the Walk N Roll program and Community Health Improvement Partners (CHIP)’s role in facilitating Resident Leadership Academies (RLAs). It was wonderful to have an opportunity to discuss our work directly with OTS, and we are looking forward to another great year of partnering with the County.
Interested in scheduling a free pedestrian audit, bike rodeo, school assembly, safety presentation, or other related traffic safety program for your community? Reach out to [email protected] and we’ll get right back to you!
Circulate News
Caltrans construction project reshapes Friars Road with new bike lanes, freeway ramps, ABC 10 News, November 19, 2025
Oceanside City Council Approves Next Steps for Oceanside Transit Center Redevelopment Project, North County Transit, November 20, 2025
Transit Briefs: NYMTA, KC Streetcar, NCTD, WMATA, DART, Railway Age, November 20, 2025
Montgomery County Sees 29% Drop in Severe Road Accidents Under Vision Zero Initiative, Hoodline, November 21, 2025
Large transit-oriented development in North County approved in Oceanside, inewsource, November 21, 2025
Charged Up: The Rise of E-bikes, series Part 6: If e-bikes are here to stay, now what?, La Jolla Light, November 23, 2025
Oceanside Transit Center redevelopment wins council approval, Railway Supply, November 22, 2025
Oceanside City Council greenlights next steps for transit center redevelopment, KUSI news, November 23, 2025
After Prop. 50, San Diego may lose its only Republican in Congress as Democrats target Issa, inewsource, November 24, 2025
Montgomery County Seeks Teen Leaders for "Vision Zero Youth Ambassador Program" to Promote Road Safety, Hoodline, November 25, 2025
Philadelphia Unveils Vision Zero Action Plan 2030 to Eliminate Traffic Fatalities, Hoodline, November 26, 2025
Oceanside City Council approves next steps for Oceanside Transit Center Redevelopment Project, Village News, November 29, 2025
Street safety concerns after deadly Escondido hit-and-run, ABC 10 News, December 1, 2025
Indianapolis Commits to Vision Zero Plan Aiming for Zero Traffic Deaths by 2035, Hoodline, December 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE: Victims of Traffic Violence, Advocates Honored Lives Lost to Traffic Crashes, November 16, 2025
Policy Letter: College Area Community Plan Update, November 21, 2025
Policy Letter: Clairemont Community Plan Update, November 21, 2025
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Circulator - 11/07/2025
- Announcing our new Membership program for 2026
- Celebrating the 2025 Momentum Award
- Action Alert: Tell your officials to prioritize road safety
- Join us for World Day of Remembrance
- YIMBY Legislative Town Hall
- CalWalks Advancing Health through Active Transportation Policy Roundtable
- Recap: 2024-2025 City of Imperial Beach Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program
- Turkey Giveaway and Resource Fair
- Book: If You Want To Win, You’ve Got To Fight
- Circulate News
Announcing our new Membership program for 2026
Corporate Members are the driving force behind Circulate’s work to champion safe streets, better transit, and smarter land use. Your support helps make San Diego a safer, more connected, and more sustainable region.
We are excited to announce that we are making major updates to our Membership program for 2026, to provide our supporters with more benefits, and more opportunities to contribute to our work.
Including:
• Access to more Circulate Committees to help shape our advocacy and events.
• Fee waivers for Mobility Certifications for eligible projects.
• Event Sponsorship Opportunities for our full 2026 calendar are all set and open for sponsorship.Plus, enjoy an exclusive 10% early renewal discount when you join or renew your 2026 Corporate Membership before December 31.
Check out our updated 2026 Corporate Membership FAQ to see what’s new—and renew today to continue being part of the movement for a better San Diego.
Celebrating the 2025 Momentum Award
Last week, Circulate hosted its annual Momentum Awards at Quartyard, honoring the people and projects driving a safer, more connected region. The event brought together hundreds of community leaders, elected officials, and partners from across the housing, transportation, and land use sectors to celebrate progress in mobility, safety, and sustainability.
CEO Colin Parent reflected, “From major housing projects to young people advocating for change, the Momentum Awards celebrate the many ways people are improving our region. This year’s honorees—agencies, community groups, and individual leaders alike—show how collective effort and shared values can create real progress for San Diego.”
The event featured eight award categories, including seven juried Momentum Awards and the Walk the Walk Award, which recognized City Councilmember Vivian Moreno, Climate Action Campaign Executive Director Nicole Capretz, and County Senior Planner Hugo Salgado for advancing safety, sustainability, and livability across the region.
ACTION ALERT: Tell your officials to prioritize road safety
Earlier this week, Circulate San Diego launched an online tool for San Diegans to write to their elected officials and demand safer streets.
Nearly 50 pedestrians and cyclists are killed on City of San Diego streets each year. The City has pledged to end traffic deaths, but these numbers are not budging. In just one week in late October, 11-year-old Andrew and 6-year-old Lucas were killed in separate crashes. San Diegans should be outraged.
Circulate and safety advocates have repeatedly called on our elected officials to take action and fund safety improvements to stop deaths on our streets. The City has not answered this call. Now, Circulate is asking for the community’s help to call on our elected officials to fund road safety through our “Stop Deaths on Our Streets” campaign.
Join us for World Day of Remembrance
Join Families for Safe Streets San Diego, Circulate, and safe streets advocates on November 16 for World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. This event honors the 1.35 million people killed each year in preventable traffic crashes.
538 people were killed on San Diego County streets in 2023 and 2024. On World Day of Remembrance, volunteers will place signs at intersections where crashes occurred in honor of the lives lost too soon.
If you would like to get involved you can:
- Join us to honor our neighbors killed in traffic crashes and call for safer streets;
- Volunteer to place memorial signs at crash sites; and/or
- Sponsor a memorial sign for just $15.
When: Sunday, November 16 at 9:30 AM
Where: San Diego County Bicycle Coalition Office (300 15th St, San Diego, CA 92101)YIMBY Legislative Town Hall
Circulate San Diego has been a major voice in the YIMBY movement, both in San Diego, and statewide with our legislative advocacy in Sacramento.
In November, we are partnering with statewide and local YIMBY organizations for the 2025 YIMBY Legislative Town Hall. The YIMBY Movement took huge strides toward making California housing more affordable and abundant this year – and YOU helped make it happen.
When: Saturday, November 15 @ 10:30am
Where: Downtown San Diego (register for the address)
Who: Circulate San Diego, California YIMBY, YIMBY Democrats of San Diego, YIMBY neighbors and allies, and special guest!
We’ll share a preview of our 2026 legislative ideas, talk about how to make our 2026 campaigns inclusive and effective, and field legislative ideas from grassroots YIMBYs like you!
We hope you’ll join us for this important conversation as we prepare for the 2026 legislative session (over food and beverages)!Cal Walks' Advancing Health Through Active Transportation Policy Roundtable
California Walks, the statewide voice for pedestrian safety & healthy, walkable communities for people of all ages & abilities, is hosting an “Advancing Health Through Active Transportation” Policy Roundtable in San Diego this year!
The roundtable will take place at Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego on Tuesday, November 18th from 9:00am – 3:00pm.
These policy roundtables have been invaluable to Cal Walks’ work as they help the team not only engage with communities from across the state, but also help make sure that the organization is working towards policy issues that will benefit everyone. Past roundtables have led to support for various legislation, such as the daylighting law, and also helped to create the Walk Bike Roll CA coalition that is pursuing the effort to bring ped/bike safety education to students across the state.
If you are available, we encourage you to join the roundtable and share your perspectives on how we can work together towards better health in our communities through active transportation.
RECAP: 2024-2025 City of Imperial Beach Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program
This past year, Circulate teamed up with the City of Imperial Beach to bring bicycle and pedestrian safety programs to residents across the city! With support from the California Office of Traffic Safety, Circulate delivered a packed lineup of impactful events and programs that made Imperial Beach’s streets safer and more accessible for everyone.
The Circulate team worked hard throughout the year to deliver on this project and is looking forward to doing it all again for the 2025-26 cycle!
To learn more about the program and check out a few highlights, check out our blog post here.
Turkey Giveaway and Resource Fair
Circulate is excited to be part of Community Wraparound’s Annual Turkey Giveaway and Resource Fair on Saturday, November 22!
This beloved community event brings families together to kick off the holiday season, offering free turkeys and connections to local resources. Stop by the Circulate’s table to learn more about our programs and initiatives that make neighborhoods safer and more connected.
Turkeys will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last — so be sure to arrive early! We can’t wait to see you there!
Book: If You Want To Win, You’ve Got To Fight
Your transportation dreams are within reach—are you ready to fight for them?
From safer streets to faster trains, the changes you want are possible—and the new book If You Want To Win, You’ve Got To Fight: A Guide To Effective Transportation Advocacy can show you how to make them real.
Whether you're dreaming of protected bike lanes, better bus service, or a bold high-speed rail future, the book offers a practical, inspiring roadmap to turn your passion into political power. Drawing from the author’s experience as a transportation activist and interviews with advocates nationwide, Carter Lavin shares what it takes to win.
Packed with real-world tools, tips, and tactical insights, the book will help you launch or level up your own efforts for a more just, safe, and sustainable transportation system.
Circulate News
SB 79 – Major Changes to Transit-Oriented Development in California, The National Law Review, October 23, 2025
La Mesa hosts pop-up for residents on trolley track project, La Mesa Courier, October 24, 2025
Shuttered Costa Verde Center slated to be razed early next year, The San Diego Union Tribune, October 24, 2025
Charged Up: The Rise of E-bikes, series Part 2: Safety education and regulation as appeal grows, La Jolla Light, October 29, 2025
Columbus Marks Triumph in Public Safety with Zero Traffic Fatalities in August, Hoodline, October 27, 2025
New California Legislation Impacts Transit-Oriented Development and Eminent Domain, JD Supra, October 27, 2025
North Berkeley BART Station Upgrades Advance Green Transit and Affordable Housing Goals, Hoodline, October 27, 2025
Charlotte’s Vision Zero Initiative Lights Up Safety with Free Bike Lights Giveaway Ahead of Daylight Saving Time, Hoodline, October 29, 2025
City flagged San Carlos intersection as dangerous, then denied safety improvements for it before child’s death, Times of San Diego, October 29, 2025
San Diego is not progressing on promise for zero traffic deaths, ABC 10, October 31, 2025
Policy Letter: Investing Parking District Revenue in Safety Improvements, October 27, 2025
PRESS RELEASE - Circulate San Diego Announces 2025 Momentum Award Winners, October 27, 2025
Imperial Beach Wayfinding Signage and Safety Decals, November 3, 2025
Letter of Support: SANDAG Green Line Trolley and I-15 Transit Connection Study, November 3, 2025
Action Alert: Stop Deaths on Our Streets, November 7, 2025
PRESS RELEASE - Circulate Launches Online Tool for San Diegans to Demand Safer Streets, November 5, 2025
Join Circulate and Lock In Your 2026 Corporate Membership and Sponsorships, November 6, 2025
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Circulator - 10/27/2025
- What a Night! Celebrating the 2025 Momentum Awards
- Join us for World Day of Remembrance
- Clairemont Drive Station Audit - Caltrans Update!
- A Year of Progress: Circulate’s Planning Projects in Action
- Bike Talk Podcast Appearance
- YIMBY Legislative Town Hall
- San Diego Offers Lessons for Cities to Boost Housing Production
- November 17: FREE Housing Policy Forum
- Circulate News
What a Night! Celebrating the 2025 Momentum Awards
What a night! The 2025 Momentum Awards brought together hundreds of community leaders, advocates, and partners to celebrate the people and projects moving San Diego forward.
Held at Quartyard in downtown San Diego, the evening was filled with energy and inspiration as we recognized efforts creating safer streets, better transit, and more homes across our region. From local governments to grassroots advocates, this year’s honorees showed what’s possible when we work together for a more connected city.
We’re deeply grateful to everyone who joined us — and to our generous sponsors whose support made the event possible — as well as to Quartyard for once again hosting us.
This year’s Walk the Walk Awards honored Councilmember Vivian Moreno, Climate Action Campaign Founder Nicole Capretz, and County of San Diego Senior Planner Hugo Salgado for their leadership in building a safer, more sustainable region. Assemblymember Chris Ward also joined to offer congratulations and highlight statewide progress on safe streets.
Congratulations to all our 2025 Momentum Award winners for keeping San Diego moving forward.
Join us for World Day of Remembrance
Join Families for Safe Streets San Diego and safe streets advocates for the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on November 16th. This is a global day to honor the 1.35 million people killed each year in preventable traffic crashes and to push for change.
In San Diego County alone, 538 people were killed in 2023 and 2024. Each memorial sign represents a real life lost and a reminder that these tragedies are preventable.
We’ll begin with remarks from family members, advocates, and public officials, followed by volunteer deployment across the county. Teams will receive sign kits, site lists, and safety instructions before installing memorial signs honoring neighbors killed in traffic crashes.
You can also support the effort by sponsoring a memorial sign — a $15 donation covers printing, hardware, and placement.
Clairemont Drive Station Audit - Caltrans Update!
Circulate collaborated with RideSD to conduct a pedestrian audit back in March 2024 between Clairemont Drive Trolley Station and Mission Bay Park. The audit identified key safety concerns along the Interstate 5 overcrossing, including missing curb ramps, faded crosswalks, and narrow sidewalks. Circulate submitted a service request to Caltrans, and they conducted a safety investigation along the overpass.
Caltrans completed a series of updates in May 2025, adding high visibility crosswalks, updated pavement markings, pedestrian warning signs, and Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) at key intersections, with more improvements to come in 2027.
These improvements mark a step towards safer connections for people walking, biking, and rolling between transit and accessing the parks and beaches in San Diego.
A Year of Progress: Circulate’s Planning Projects in Action
This year was an exciting and impactful one for Circulate’s planning team. From planting trees and installing wayfinding signs in MLK Park to collaborating with SDSU students to design and paint creative crosswalks on campus, our projects left lasting marks on communities throughout San Diego County.
The work extended across California—including Ventura, Los Angeles, Oakland, Santa Ana, and Adelanto—where Circulate provided pedestrian, bicycle, andtraffic safety education for all ages. We strengthened and expanded partnerships throughout San Diego County, including with our new Imperial Beach OTS grant, and deepened relationships that led to new clients and opportunities—such as a bike bus with Jones Elementary School.
Much of this year was spent out in the field, leading bike rides, organizing additional Walk ‘n’ Bike to School Days, and encouraging safe, active transportation for students and families. Through these initiatives, Circulate’s planning team created meaningful, lasting change—building safer streets, vibrant public spaces, and stronger, more connected communities.To see more of what Circulate has accomplished, stay tuned for upcoming blog posts or follow us on social media.
Bike Talk Podcast Appearance
Earlier this month, Circulate’s CEO and General Counsel appeared on Bike Talk to talk about our latest report “The Powerless Brokers: Why California Can’t Build Transit.” Colin’s segment begins at 27:05.
Bike Talk is a radio show dedicated to the idea that we need to prioritize transportation by bikes. The show broadcasts on FM and streaming since 2008 from their home station in Los Angeles, KPFK, and sister station Valley Free Radio in Florence, as well as Massachusetts and Pacifica affiliates.
LISTEN HERE!YIMBY Legislative Town Hall
Circulate San Diego has been a major voice in the YIMBY movement, both in San Diego, and statewide with our legislative advocacy in Sacramento.
In November, we are partnering with statewide and local YIMBY organizations for the 2025 YIMBY Legislative Town Hall. The YIMBY Movement took huge strides toward making California housing more affordable and abundant this year – and YOU helped make it happen.
When: Saturday, November 15 @ 10:30am
Where: Downtown San Diego (register for the address)
Who: Circulate San Diego, California YIMBY, YIMBY Democrats of San Diego, YIMBY neighbors and allies, and special guest!
We’ll share a preview of our 2026 legislative ideas, talk about how to make our 2026 campaigns inclusive and effective, and field legislative ideas from grassroots YIMBYs like you!
We hope you’ll join us for this important conversation as we prepare for the 2026 legislative session (over food and beverages). Register today!San Diego Offers Lessons for Cities to Boost Housing Production
As local governments seek to meet ambitious state housing goals, a new commentary from UC Berkeley’s Terner Center for Housing Innovation offers insights into how the City of San Diego has reformed both planning policies and permitting processes so that housing moves through the system much more quickly and with greater certainty as to the outcome.
The commentary includes interactive maps and figures highlighting data on what types of housing are getting permitted, where, and how. From 2016 – 2022, the City averaged just over 5,000 housing units permitted per year, which nearly doubled to an average of over 9,000 housing units per year for 2023-2024.
November 17: FREE Housing Policy Forum
Join Global Policy Leadership Academy (GPLA) for a FREE housing policy forum exploring what San Diego and other U.S. cities can learn from Vienna’s housing example.
This event begins with a short lecture on Vienna’s housing ecosystem, followed by a panel of San Diego leaders who recently visited Vienna as part of GPLA's Social Housing Field Study.
"Designing Inclusive Communities: Vienna’s Approach, San Diego’s Opportunity"
When: Monday, November 17, 2025
5:00 - 7:00 pm, PST | Networking reception 7:00 - 7:45 pmWhere: In-Person Location: St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, 2728 6th Ave, San Diego
Panel Guests:
- Monica Montgomery Steppe | County Supervisor
- Elyse Lowe | Director, San Diego Development Services
- Vino Pajanor | CEO, Catholic Charities
- Sean Spear | CEO, Community Housing Works
Moderated by Anu Natarajan, GPLA's Managing Director, Global Housing Practice.CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE IN PERSONCLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE ONLINE
Circulate News
Governor Newsom builds on this year’s historic housing reforms, signs legislation to accelerate housing and affordability, Governor Gavin Newsom, October 10, 2025
California Gov. Gavin Newsom Signs SB 79, Unlocking Higher Residential Density Near Transit, Holland & Knight, October 10, 2025
Newsom just signed SB 79, allowing far more housing along transit. Here’s what it means for San Diego County, The San Diego Union Tribune, October 12, 2025
Newsom Signs Ambitious Bill to Boost Housing Density Near Public Transit, KQED, October 10, 2025
Governor Newsom Approves SB 79: High-Density Transit-Oriented Housing Development Projects, The National Law Review, October 10, 2025
Newsom signs sweeping housing bill opposed by local leaders, The Coast News Group, October 10, 2025
It's official: Newsom signs bill for more housing near transit. Here's how it could play out in San Francisco, San Francisco Business Times, October 10, 2025
New law allows more multi-story apartments near transit, NBC 7, October 13, 2025
Bellevue Partners with Bellwether Housing for New Affordable Homes Near Wilburton Transit Hubs, Hoodline, October 15, 2025
California Just Passed A New Law Allowing The Construction Of Multi-Story Apartments Near Public Transit Hubs — Here’s How It Works, Secret Los Angles, October 15, 2025
MAGTEC’s SafeSpeed Connects with NYC DCAS to Make Streets Safer, KUSI News, October 15, 2025
58-year old man killed riding bicycle in El Cajon crash, CHP blames the victim; 11th bike death in San Diego County this year, BikinginLA, October 15, 2025
Historic California Housing Bill Could Bring More Apartment Buildings Near Transit, Realtor.com, October 15, 2025
YIMBYs rejoice! Leaders celebrate Governor Newsom’s landmark actions this year to boost housing and affordability, Governor Gavin Newsom, October 15, 2025
New affordable housing project coming to East Village, steps from busy transit hub, KUSI News, October 17, 2025
Lot by Oceanside High School to get 8-story building with 273 apartments, The San Diego Union Tribune, October 20, 2025
High-Density Transit Zones: California Authorizes Transit-Oriented Development with Senate Bill 79, JD Supra, October 20, 2025
A pro-growth Yimby ally has some untimely questions about Wiener’s new bill, 48Hills, October 19, 2025
San Diego MTS launches TOD project in East Village, Mass Transit, October 21, 2025
Vista resolutions support local housing control, Make Polluters Pay, The Coast News Group, October 20, 2025
How a new housing law will — and won’t — affect North County cities, Inewsource, October 21, 2025
Why California’s historic housing law gave activists a new reason to battle the bus, Cal Matters, October 22, 2025
Shuttered Costa Verde Center slated to be razed early next year, The San Diego Union Tribune, October 23, 2025
Support Letter: Land Development Code Update - Item # 7, October 8, 2025
Policy Letter: 2025 Annual Report on Homes, October 8, 2025
Intro Spotlight: Aria Grossman, October 9, 2025
Clairemont Drive Station Audit Update, October 21, 2025
Policy Letter: City’s Response to Grand Jury Development Impact Fee Report, October 22, 2025
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Circulator - 10/10/2025
Intro Spotlight: Aria Grossman
Join us in welcoming our new Policy Manager, Aria Grossman! As is our tradition, we interviewed Aria so our supporters and members can get to know her.
Circulate named Clean Air Day 2025 Nonprofit Winner!
We’re proud to share that Circulate has been named the Nonprofit Category Winner for highest team participation for Clean Air Day 2025!
This recognition celebrates our ongoing mission: to create excellent mobility choices and vibrant, healthy neighborhoods. Clean Air Day is about inspiring action for cleaner, healthier air—and this award reflects the collective impact we’re making together. Everything we do is grounded in the belief that cleaner air and better mobility choices go hand in hand.
Become A Momentum Awards Sponsor
Circulate San Diego’s Momentum Awards celebrate the people and projects that are creating excellent mobility choices and vibrant, healthy neighborhoods.
Why Sponsor?
Sponsorship is a chance to support our mission and showcase your company’s commitment to a healthier, more connected San Diego. Sponsors receive:
- Event tickets for you and your team
- Recognition during the program
- Visibility on our website and in our newsletter (10,000+ subscribers)
- Year-round invitations and recognition as a Circulate San Diego Corporate Member
See our sponsorship details or email us at [email protected].
RECAP - Feaster Charter Mural Painting
This past September 22nd, Circulate partnered with Feaster Charter School in Chula Vista to paint a mural in the drop off / pick up zone. Feaster Charter held a drawing where students submitted artwork that would in turn, become a large mural for the school. The winner for the artwork was 5th Grader, Perseus whom drew the school falcon logo with the message, “Believe, Achieve, Falcons.”
The Circulate team, along with help from Perseus and several of his classmates worked on painting the mural. In addition to the mural, the arrows and a stop line were painted in the pick up / drop off zone to help improve safety conditions.
We thank Feaster Charter and OTS for making this opportunity possible!
Recap - Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day!
This year, the 29th annual Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day took place on October 8, 2025. The day highlights the importance of practicing road safety, promoting safe routes to school, and encouraging more walking, biking, and rolling trips to and from school. However, just because the annual event has passed, it doesn’t mean schools can’t participate year-round.
Throughout the year, the Circulate Planning team coordinates with schools across the County to help organize and host Walk and Bike to School events that inspire active, safe, and fun ways to travel for students. Let’s continue encouraging safe walking, biking, and rolling to school every day or consider hosting an event before or after school to keep the momentum going.
If you’re interested in coordinating an event at your school, please email [email protected].
RECAP – Imperial Beach Wayfinding and Safety Signage
As a part of our OTS grant with the City of Imperial Beach, Circulate was tasked with creating wayfinding signage and safety decals to help make walking, biking, and rolling safer and easier.
In September, the City of Imperial Beach installed our 6 wayfinding signs and 14 bicycle/pedestrian safety decals at heavily transited areas around the City.
We are grateful for our continued partnership with the City of Imperial Beach and OTS and look forward to continuing our work in the community.
Circulate News
Hayden AI Partners with a California University to Deploy Automated Bike Lane and Bus Stop Enforcement, Morningstar, September 25, 2025
Opponents of SB 79 warn the bill will not solve affordable housing needs, Times of San Diego, September 24, 2025
Senate bill passes state Legislature, Larchmont Chronicle, September 25, 2025
WDM USA Launches New Road Safety Solutions in Canada with SCRIM® Data and Predictive Analytics, Fox 5, September 26, 2025
How Municipalities Can Speed Up Housing Development, Multi-Housing News, October 6, 2025
Minneapolis Launches First Speed Safety Cameras to Boost Roadway Safety as Part of Vision Zero Initiative, Hoodline, October 1, 2025
Coming to a Major Transit Stop Near You: Upzoning Under SB 79, JD Supra, October 1, 2025
Senator Wiener’s SB 79 Would ‘San Francisco’ all of California, California Globe, October 2, 2025
MyPhillyLawyer Identifies 15 Dangerous Intersections Not Included in Philadelphia’s Vision Zero Plan, Fox 5, October 2, 2025
Fort Worth City Council Approves Ambitious Vision Zero Plan Aiming for Zero Traffic Fatalities by 2050, Hoodline, October 2, 2025
Northern Virginia's Unlikely Transit-Oriented-Development Success Story, Planetizen, October 5, 2025
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Intro Spotlight: Aria Grossman
Intro Spotlight: Aria Grossman
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am joining Circulate San Diego as the Policy Manager. Prior to joining Circulate, I spent three years working as a legislative staffer in the United States Senate, primarily working on transportation and appropriations policy.
I graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 2022 with a double major in Global Studies and Finance and a minor in Chinese. In my free time I love hiking, traveling, exploring new neighborhoods, and crocheting.
How did you become interested in Circulate San Diego?
After working on housing and transportation policy at the federal level, I was looking for the opportunity to work on these issues at the state and local level, as that is where so much of the impactful decision-making power is held. I stumbled across Circulate online, and it felt like the perfect opportunity to work on impactful policy projects in a beautiful city!
What’s your most memorable face palm moment? Or what is your biggest achievement to date? Choose one.
Last year, I decided to sign up for a half marathon with zero running experience and two months to train. I ended up successfully completing the race under my goal of two hours! (My final time was 1:59:57, but it still counts!)
If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor?
RuPaul comes to mind. I believe in being the change you want to see in the world, and I admire people who embody this quality. RuPaul brought a "fringe" art to the mainstream and has permanently altered social standards in America along the way, just by relentlessly doing his thing. I think there is a lot to learn from that worldview. Why not decide to live as if you are currently in the world as you wish it existed?
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Davida Garcia published Support Letter: Land Development Code Update - Item # 7 in Policy Letters 2025-10-08 08:43:58 -0700
Support Letter: Land Development Code Update - Item # 7
Support Letter: Land Development code Update - Item # 7
Last week, Circulate supported a letter focused on Item #7 of the Land Development Code, which eliminates the waiver of development impact fees (DIF) for homes under 500 sq. ft. using the Complete Communities program.
This letter asks for an amendment to the Complete Communities Housing Solutions Regulations to cap the development impact fee waiver to apply to no more than thirty percent of homes less than 500 square feet in a project.
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Davida Garcia published Policy Letter: SB 125 Task Force Operations Funding and Capital Projects in Policy Letters 2025-09-30 12:01:55 -0700
Policy Letter: SB 125 Task Force Operations Funding and Capital Projects
SB 125 Task Force Operations Funding and Capital Projects
Circulate and its allies submitted a letter to the SB 125 Task Force calling for Dedicated State Operating Funding, Capital Project Reform, and Fare and Service Integration. The reinstatement of capital project delivery reforms are appreciated, however concerns remain that the draft report still omits key elements needed to ensure a successful and sustainable transit system.
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Davida Garcia published Support Letter: Faith in Housing Act (FIHA) in Policy Letters 2025-09-29 13:42:05 -0700
Support Letter: Faith in Housing Act (FIHA)
Support Letter: Faith in Housing Act(FIHA)
Circulate San Diego supported the Faith In Housing Act coalition letter submitted by Up for Growth Coalition on September 25, 2025 to the offices of Representative Peters (D-CA 50) and Representative Edwards (R-NC 11).
This bipartisan legislation is vital for supporting faith-based institutions who wish to leverage their property to build housing that is aligned with their mission.
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Circulator - 09/26/2025
Become A Momentum Awards Sponsor
Circulate San Diego’s Momentum Awards celebrate the people and projects that are creating excellent mobility choices and vibrant, healthy neighborhoods.
Why Sponsor?
Sponsorship is a chance to support our mission and showcase your company’s commitment to a healthier, more connected San Diego.
Sponsors receive:
- Event tickets for you and your team
- Recognition during the program
- Visibility on our website and in our newsletter (10,000+ subscribers)
- Year-round invitations and recognition as a Circulate San Diego Corporate Member
Current sponsors are listed at the bottom of this newsletter.
See our sponsorship details or email us at [email protected].
Momentum Awards – Volunteers Needed
The Momentum Awards are fast approaching and we need volunteers!
We are looking for event prep assistance on Wednesday, October 22nd from Noon – 2 pm and for various shifts at the event on Friday, October 24th from 5 pm – 9 pm.
If you are interested, please send an email to: [email protected]
Celebrating Clean Air Day and Pedestrian Safety Month
Join us September 29th at the Civic Center Plaza (1200 Third Ave, San Diego, CA 92101) to celebrate Clean Air Day and Pedestrian Safety Month! Both clean air day and pedestrian safety month promote sustainable transportation like walking and biking, reducing vehicle emissions that pollute the air we breathe.
Circulate will be at the plaza from 11 AM to 1 PM showcasing a temporary parklet, remote-controlled Traffic Calming Course, safety materials, and free sweet treats!
California suffers from some of the worst air quality in the country. Collectively we have the power to change the world and can choose to do so in ways that help, not harm, all Californians.
Join us in challenging yourself to create clean air in your community.
Vision Zero Coalition Budget Request
Earlier this week, Circulate San Diego and the Vision Zero Coalition submitted a letter to the San Diego Council outlining our requests for the upcoming budget.
Even in difficult economic times, the City will receive tens of millions of new formula funds from TransNet and Senate Bill 1 that must be spent on transportation infrastructure. The City must dedicate a share of these available funds to repair the most dangerous intersections in the city. This can be accomplished without an increase to the overall budgetary burden.
Despite the overall budget challenges, last year’s budget included more transportation funding than the previous year. Despite this fact, the City chose to spend less to prioritize infrastructure that can save lives. This was unacceptable, and the City must do better this year.
Our requests include fixing the Fatal 15, painting curbs to comply with daylighting laws, and speed reductions near schools.
KPBS Midday Edition - How walkable is San Diego?
On Tuesday’s episode of KPBS Midday Edition, Circulate’s Director of Planning and Community Engagement (Carlisle Dockery) was featured among a panel of guest speakers to discuss what walkability looks like in San Diego.
Alongside our frequent project collaborators Israel Hernandez (AARP San Diego) and Dr. Bruce Appleyard (San Diego State University), Carlisle had the opportunity to speak about Circulate’s work to improve mobility choice and increase accessibility for pedestrians in our region.
The next time you have 35 minutes to spare, tune in to this episode!
RECAP: AARP California Regional Roundtable
This week, Circulate San Diego had the pleasure of presenting at AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities (NAFSC) Regional Roundtables in Oakland and San Diego.
The team presented on “Engaging the Community,” highlighting methods and resources that cities, non-profit organizations, and community groups can use to collect feedback. We also brought the Traffic Calming Course, one of our creative approaches to engaging communities, to introduce participants to traffic calming infrastructure and how Circulate uses this activity at community events.
These conversations created opportunities for attendees to exchange ideas and strategies for deepening community engagement. We appreciated the chance to connect with many organizations and cities across the state and to learn from their methods of engagement as well.
Recap: Park(ing) Day!
Thank you all who joined us last Friday for Park(ing) day!
A special thank you to OTS, City of Chula Vista Police Department, and El Cholos Kid for helping make the event a success. Our pop-up parklet was enjoyed by many, giving community residents the chance to color, play games, and enjoy treats together.
Circulate News
California Assembly Passes Senator Wiener’s Major Housing Bill SB 79, Vanguard, September 12, 2025
SB 79 Passes Assembly, Still Needs Senate “Concurrence” Before the Governor’s Desk, Streetblog Cal, September 11, 2025
California Legislature overrides local zoning to boost transit-oriented development, Cal Matters, September 12, 2025
SB79 heads to Newsom. Bill allows for denser housing around transit hubs, LAist, September 13, 2025
More tall buildings likely in San Diego if governor signs controversial bill, Times of San Diego, September 13, 2025
California lawmakers pass controversial Senate Bill 79, CBS 8, September 13, 2025
Legislature overrides local zoning to boost transit-oriented development, inewsource, September 14, 2025
Portland Rallies for Safer Streets with Vision Zero: Council VP Koyama Lane Advocates for Traffic Fatality Elimination, Hoodline, September 16, 2025
California Legislature overrides local zoning to boost transit-oriented development, KPBS, September 15, 2025
San Antonio to Celebrate International Park(ing) Day with Houston Street Pedestrian Takeover, Hoodline, September 17, 2025
California Legislature Passes Senate Bill 79, Paving the Way for More Housing Near Urban Transit Hubs, JD Supra, September 18, 2025
Chula Vista business owners push for return of COVID-era parklets, CBS 8, September 19, 2025
Trump's Infrastructure Shifts: Analyzing the Impact on Transportation and Real Estate Investment Trends, AInvest, September 23, 2025
MEDIA ADVISORY: Circulate San Diego Celebrates Park(ing) Day in Chula Vista, September 18, 2025
Policy Letter: Vision Zero Items for Councilmember Budget Priority Memoranda - Fiscal Year 2027, September 23, 2025
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Davida Garcia published Policy Letter: Vision Zero Items for Councilmember Budget Priority Memoranda - FY 2027 in Policy Letters 2025-09-23 11:58:11 -0700
Policy Letter: Vision Zero Items for Councilmember Budget Priority Memoranda - Fiscal Year 2027
Vision Zero Items for Councilmember Budget Priority Memoranda - FY 2027
On behalf of the Vision Zero Coalition, Circulate submitted a letter to recommend transportation projects to be included in District One's Budget Priority Memoranda for FY 2027. Funding these projects will save lives. These requests will also help the City reach its Climate Action Plan and Vision Zero goals by making walking, biking, and transit safer, more affordable, and more convenient for San Diegans.
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Circulator - 09/12/2025
- Congratulations to the 2025 Momentum Awards Nominees
- Celebrate Park(ing) Day With Us!
- Marshall College RAs Ride Transit for TransitMonth
- Celebrating Clean Air Day and Pedestrian Safety Month
- Abundance and Poppy Bagel Liberalism
- CicloSDias Returns to San Diego!
- Chula Vista E-Bike Safety Community Meetings
- Circulate News
Congratulations to the 2025 Momentum Awards Nominees
We’re excited to announce this year’s nominees for Circulate San Diego’s Momentum Awards! Winners will be revealed at the Momentum Awards on October 24, 2025.
The Momentum Awards celebrate the people and projects creating excellent mobility choices and vibrant, healthy neighborhoods. For more than 25 years, Circulate San Diego has been the region’s leading voice for land use and mobility policy.
Become a Sponsor: Sponsorships are still available! Support our work and gain visibility at one of San Diego’s premier events, attended by public officials, industry leaders, and community advocates.
Celebrate Park(ing) Day With Us!
Circulate San Diego will celebrate this year’s Park(ing) Day on Friday, Sepetmber 19th by installing a pop-up parklet at 282 3rd Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910 from 3 pm - 6 pm.
This global event transforms curbside parking spaces into temporary public parks, or parklets, inviting communities to reimagine their streets as vibrant, pedestrian-friendly spaces.
We will be offering a space for kids and parents to color and play games so come out and join us!
Marshall College RAs Ride Transit for TransitMonth
Incoming Resident Assistants (RAs) at UC San Diego’s Marshall College got a hands-on introduction to San Diego’s public transit system this month. Their training included a ride on the UC San Diego Blue Line Trolley and the Rapid 215 bus, all the way to the San Diego Zoo.
The trip wasn’t just a fun outing—it was a practical lesson in how students, staff, and visitors can connect to key destinations without a car. By starting with transit, the RAs are better prepared to share these options with their residents throughout the year.
As part of the experience, we also shared information about the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System’s OnTrack Survey, which invites riders to give feedback on how MTS can keep improving service.
If you haven’t taken it yet, you can add your voice here: https://participate.sdmts.com/mts-ontrack
Celebrating Clean Air Day and Pedestrian Safety Month
Join us September 29th at the Civic Center Plaza (1200 Third Ave, San Diego, CA 92101) to celebrate Clean Air Day and Pedestrian Safety Month! Both clean air day and pedestrian safety month promote sustainable transportation like walking and biking, reducing vehicle emissions that pollute the air we breathe.
Circulate will be at the plaza from 11 AM to 1 PM showcasing a temporary parklet, our remote-controlled Traffic Calming Course, and having safety materials.
Abundance and Poppy Bagel Liberalism
Last week, our CEO and General Counsel Colin Parent wrote about a strategy titled Poppy Bagel Liberalism.
One of the founding texts of the Abundance movement was Ezra Klein’s naming of “Everything Bagel Liberalism,” a phenomenon where many well-intentioned collateral requirements undermine the effectiveness of progressive policies.
Collateral requirements, or bagel toppings, can complicate things and direct some energy from a policy effort toward something off-topic. At worst, collateral requirements can undermine the goal of the policy itself.
Parent argues that in practice, collateral requirements are sometimes necessary to stitch together political coalitions. If properly limited, they can be acceptable concessions to help advance incremental change. While an everything bagel is “bad,” limited collateral bagel toppings can be acceptable. Poppy bagel liberalism, if you will.
CicloSDias Returns to San Diego!
San Diego’s premier open streets event is back!
On Sunday, October 26th from 10 AM - 3 PM, join us in Mid-City to experience a car-free event in the heart of City Heights. Whether you skate, scoot, walk, ride, or roll, this event is for you. Shop local businesses, win prizes, explore City Heights, and bring our vibrant city to life!
Chula Vista E-Bike Safety Community Meetings
E-bikes are everywhere in Chula Vista! E-bike riders, parents, and community members are encouraged to attend the City of Chula Vista’s community meeting to learn important information on the new Electric Micromobility Vehicle Ordinance in Chula Vista.
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Community Meeting 1
- Date & Time: Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Montevalle Recreation Center, 840 Duncan Ranch Rd., Chula Vista, CA 91914
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Community Meeting 2
- Date & Time: Monday, Sept. 22, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Loma Verde Community Center, 1420 Loma Ln., Chula Vista, CA 91911
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Virtual Meeting
- Date & Time: Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Via Microsoft Teams
Let’s Ride Safe, Chula Vista!
Learn more about Chula Vista E-Bike safety here: www.chulavistaca.gov/ebikes
Circulate News
Nearly $1 million in clean energy grants going towards local San Diego projects, Fox 5, September 4, 2025
‘Step Up for Safer Streets’: Escondido PD shares pedestrian safety tips, Times of San Diego, September 1, 2025
San Diego proposes keeping low-density housing near Clairemont trolley stops, KPBS, August 26, 2025
Are roundabouts steering San Diego in the right direction?, CBS 8, August 27, 2025
MTS ridership data reveal high cost of banning apartments near trolley stations, KPBS, August 27, 2025
Kaua‘i Launches 'Vision Zero Hawai‘i' Campaign to Counteract Spike in Traffic Fatalities, Hoodline, August 29, 2025
San Diego Community Power Awards $914,000 In Grants For Clean Energy Projects, Patch, September 4, 2025
Opinion: Senate Bill 79 isn’t needed to spur transit-oriented housing, Times of San Diego, September 6, 2025
Maryland Issues Executive Order to Create Affordable Housing on State-Owned Properties, Planetizen, September 7, 2025
PRESS RELEASE - Nominees Announced for Circulate San Diego’s 2025 Momentum Awards, September 11, 2025
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Circulator 08/29/2025
Help Plan the Future of MTS Service
Public transportation is San Diego coming to a crossroads. MTS bus and Trolley ridership is on the rise, but a budget shortfall in just a few years threatens to end that momentum and force the largest service cuts in MTS history.
As MTS looks to address the future of public transportation service, they will be building two plans:
- One plan if more money is available to the agency, and MTS can make bus and Trolley service work better for more people.
- And a second plan to outline service cuts (tens of millions of dollars annually) if no extra money is received.
This effort is called MTS OnTrack, and you can help plan the future of MTS service. The plans created from MTS OnTrack will help determine MTS’ priorities for the next decade. If you care about public transportation, this is the time to make your voice heard.
Learn more about recent MTS ridership, the funding shortage and complete three quick activities online to be a part of the solution:
- Vote for your transit priorities
- Map where you need better transit service
- Discuss what projects and improvements will be most impactful for the region
Participate by August 31 for your feedback to be included in the planning efforts.
Check out our upcoming events!
Circulate has some exciting events coming up in September, which include a skateboard ride and park(ing) day celebration.
Check out our calendar for more details and we hope to see you!
Colin Parent Appointed to CalSTA Sustainable Communities Task Force
This week, Circulate’s CEO and General Counsel was appointed by California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin to serve on the California Sustainable Communities Task Force.
The task force is a cross-sector coalition tasked with catalyzing the implementation of California’s climate, housing, equity and transportation goals.
The task force will develop a set of policy recommendations focused on empowering regions throughout California to reduce emissions, align transportation and land use outcomes and further transition California from planning to action on regional Sustainable Communities Strategies.
“This task force is about turning urgency into action,” said Secretary Omishakin. “With Governor Gavin Newsom’s bold climate vision guiding us, California is committed to delivering real, measurable progress. By uniting experts and communities from across the state, California is building practical, scalable solutions that will continue to drive sustainable and inclusive growth.”Circulate Stands for Safe Streets in Encinitas
On Saturday Circulate San Diego joined Senator Catherine Blakespear, Families for Safe Streets San Diego, the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, parents, teachers, and local leaders at a press conference in Encinitas to support preserving the new safety improvements along Santa Fe Drive.
The project includes protected bike lanes, safer crosswalks, and traffic calming measures near San Dieguito High School Academy—improvements that make the corridor safer for students, families, and everyone traveling through the area.
Circulate’s COO Jeremy Bloom spoke at the event about the importance of keeping our Vision Zero commitments and ensuring these life-saving improvements remain in place. Together with our partners, we urged the City of Encinitas to “improve, not remove” these changes.
Thanks for Joining Us in Imperial Beach!
We’re grateful to everyone who joined us for our August Membership Mixer at Novo Brazil Brewing in Imperial Beach. Together we celebrated Circulate’s work in the South Bay and the new bike and pedestrian improvements that are making the community safer and more connected.
A special thank you to Imperial Beach Mayor Pro Tem Carol Seabury for joining us and sharing her support. Thanks as well to our corporate sponsors and individual members who make these gatherings possible.
Keep an eye out for future Circulate events where we’ll continue to bring people together around better mobility and vibrant, healthy neighborhoods.
We invite you to watch a special video we created to highlight the new bike infrastructure in Imperial Beach!
Farewell: Samantha Katz
In keeping with our tradition, we ask our team members to share a few last words about the great work they have done and their experience with us.
Wishing everyone a Happy Labor Day!
The Circulate team wishes everyone a safe and happy Labor Day.
Labor Day is an opportunity to recognize the efforts of workers throughout our region who keep San Diego moving. From bus drivers, to construction workers, to our intrepid planners here at Circulate, we honor and celebrate the contributions working people.Circulate News
1,000 New Homes Sprouting Around San Diego Trolley Station, Planetizen, August 19, 2025
Affordable Complex Breaks Ground as Part of $4B Mission Valley MXU, Connect CRE, August 19, 2025
After 6 years, San Diego approves 380-unit housing project next to Blue Line trolley, KPBS, August 20, 2025
California Has a Transit Cost Problem — and a New Appetite to Deal With It, Spur, August 21, 2025
Advocates hope for cut in La Jolla Boulevard speed limit as result of state law, The San Diego Union Tribune, August 22, 2025
San Diegans rally against Senate Bill 79, KUSI News, August 23, 2025
Parents, teachers and area politicians urge Encinitas to preserve Santa Fe Drive changes, The San Diego Union Tribune, August 25, 2025
San Diego’s 2025 road-safety reset: what drivers need to know now, inkl, August 24, 2025
Comment Letter: Comments on Draft Caltrans Director's Transit Policy and Copy of "Powerless Brokers" Report, August 15, 2025
Policy Letter: Public Comments for Meeting # 12 at CalSTA, Agenda Item 5(a)(i), August 18, 2025
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Farewell: Samantha Katz
Farewell: Samantha Katz
In keeping with our tradition, we ask our team members to share a few last words about the great work they have done and their experience with us.
Name: Samantha Katz
Title: Summer Planning InternTell us a bit about your time at Circulate (planning, policy, roles, how long).
As a planning intern over the past 9 weeks, I have gotten the opportunity to work on a bit of everything Circulate does for the San Diego region. From tabling at community events to bike and walk audits to assisting with a major policy report, The Powerless Brokers. I am thankful to have experienced the full range of both planning and policy work that embody Circulate’s processes.
What was your favorite part of working at Circulate?
The Circulate team was the best part of working at Circulate. Everyone was welcoming and positive. I always loved hosting events and working with other members of the team.
What are your favorite projects or accomplishments from your time at Circulate?
My favorite project was helping film a video for the Imperial Beach OTS Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Project. It was one of the first projects I worked on and it was amazing to see and use the bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure Circulate’s planning department developed. Additionally, I am so proud to be mentioned in Circulate’s, "The Powerless Brokers," for the small part I did to assist with designing the report.
What are you doing next, and what are your career plans?
In September, I’ll be starting my second year at California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo studying City and Regional Planning. I’ll be starting studio and learning more about the technical side, like GIS, of the planning field. I am excited to jump back into my education, which hopefully will allow me to work in environmental and urban design in the future.
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Davida Garcia published Policy Letter: Public Comments for Meeting # 12 at CalSTA, Agenda Item 5(a)(i) in Policy Letters 2025-08-18 15:11:13 -0700
Policy Letter: Public Comments for Meeting # 12 at CalSTA, Agenda Item 5(a)(i)
Policy Letter: Public Comments for Meeting # 12 at CalSTA, Agenda Item 5(a)(i)
On August 15th, Circulate submitted a letter informing the Transit Transformation Task Force (TTTF) at California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) to provide public comments on Agenda Item 5(a)(i), for Meeting # 12, scheduled for August 26, 2025 to reduce capital construction costs and timelines.
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Davida Garcia published Comment Letter: Comments on Draft Caltrans Director's Transit Policy and Copy of "Powerless Brokers" Report in Policy Letters 2025-08-15 10:48:47 -0700
Comment Letter: Comments on Draft Caltrans Director's Transit Policy and Copy of "Powerless Brokers" Report
Comment Letter: Comments on Draft Caltrans Director's Transit Policy And Copy of "Powerless Brokers" Report
On August 11th, Circulate provided comments for how Caltrans can effectively implement Senate Bill 960. Effective policies by Caltrans will help California meet its mobility and climate goals through transit and complete streets projects.
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Davida Garcia published Policy Letter: Support of Senate Bill 445 and Copy of "Powerless Brokers" Report in Policy Letters 2025-08-11 12:43:05 -0700
Policy Letter: Support of Senate Bill 445 and Copy of "Powerless Brokers" Report
Policy Letter: Senate Bill 445 (Support) and Copy of “Powerless Brokers” Report
On August 11th, Circulate submitted a letter to reaffirm support of Senate Bill 445 and to share a copy of the latest report, "The Powerless Brokers: Why California Can't Build Transit." This legislation is necessary to help the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) to build an important project with the potential to benefit all Californians.
