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 - 02/03/2023
- BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Melanie Cohn
- Circulate’s February Membership Mixer
- STAY TUNED- Next report coming out THIS MONTH
- 2nd Annual Gompers Transportation Expo
- Colin Parent talks Fast Bus!, SANDAG, and VMT fees on the “Talking Headways” podcast.
- Take the Trolley or Ride your Bike to the February Mixer
- Circulate News
BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Melanie Cohn
Circulate is led by a passionate and dedicated group of volunteer Board of Directors, throughout the year we will spotlight these folks.
Melanie Cohn is Circulate’s Board Secretary. As the Sr. Director, Regional Policy & Government Affairs at Biocom California, Melanie brings a wealth of knowledge of government policy, San Diego's life science sector, and community connections to Circulate's Board and Policy Committee.
Thank you, Melanie, for your dedication to Circulate and the San Diego region.
Circulate’s February Membership Mixer
Join Circulate staff, local decision-makers, and professionals in the land use and transportation space for Circulate’s first membership mixer in 2023 to celebrate the release of our next big report: Making the Most of the Mid-Coast.
We are pleased to announce that we will be joined by newly elected Councilmember Kent Lee.
Thank you, Alexandria Real Estate for hosting us for the evening at your state-of-the-art GradLabs building at Campus Point.
Current 2023 individual and corporate members join for free.
STAY TUNED- Next report coming out THIS MONTH
This month, Circulate San Diego is releasing its next big report: Making the Most of the Mid-Coast.
With the completion of Mid-Coast Trolley Extension, the San Diego Region has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow its biotech economy, connect homes to jobs, and
to address climate change. Circulate San Diego is publishing a report that outlines and advocates for a robust update to nearby land use rules like the University Community Plan (UCPG), improved feeder bus and bicycle facilities, and other supportive policies. The effort will drive public and press discussions to support more development and smart growth in the area.Check out Colin Parent's, Circulate San Diego Executive Director, Op-Ed outlining our work to Make the Most of the Mid-Coast. Opinion: How the San Diego region can build on new Mid-Coast Trolley (December 13, 2021)
Be one of the first to see the report.
2nd Annual Gompers Transportation Expo
Visit Circulate San Diego's booth on Saturday, February 11th during Urban Collaborative Project’s 2nd Annual Gompers Transportation Expo!
Come learn about clean mobility, active transportation, and resources in Southeast San Diego at Gompers Preparatory Academy (1005 47th Street, San Diego, CA 92102) between 9AM and 1PM next Saturday. Bring your bikes, scooters, and skates and get excited to participate in bike rodeos, enter giveaways, and more.
Circulate’s participation in this event is funded by the California Air Resources Board’s Clean Mobility in Schools project, which brings clean technology to the neighborhood, helps reduce air pollution, and improves the air quality within the Southeast community.
Come check out our station and try our interactive traffic calming remote control course, contribute to our artistic demonstration intersection, and win some cool prizes. The event is free and open to the public!
Colin Parent talks Fast Bus!, SANDAG, and VMT fees on the “Talking Headways” podcast.
This week our Executive Director and General Counsel Colin Parent was interviewed by the “Talking Headways” podcast, one of the leading national podcasts on transit and urban issues.
The interview focused on our recent report “Fast Bus!” about how simple and affordable choices can improve the bus, the workhorse of our region’s transit network.
The interview covered a lot of ground, including what’s good, and what’s not-so-good about SANDAG’s recent transportation plan. And they discuss how the City of San Diego is investing in bus-only lanes, but not in the best locations.You can also listen in to hear about how Circulate’s recent strategic planning effort is shaping how we do our advocacy work. We are doubling-down on our big research efforts, with long-tail implications to drive policy conversation into he future.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and Streetsblog.Take the Trolley or Ride your Bike to the February Mixer
Ride up with Circulate's Executive Director, Colin Parent, and Policy Counsel, Jesse O'Sullivan, for the February mixer! They are meeting at Civic Center Station at 4:40pm. Event starts at 5:30 pm.
Alexandria's GradLabs is conveniently located near the UCSD Health La Jolla Blue Line Station.
There will be bike lockers available, email [email protected] for more information.
Circulate news
Carlsbad launches pledge campaign for safer roadways, KPBS, January 25, 2023
San Diego Affordable Community Breaks Ground, Multi-Housing News, January 26, 2023
MTS welcomes new Board of Directors and new leadership, American Journal of Transportation, January 27, 2023
Opinion: Why the city of San Diego’s new plan has potential to sharply increase home construction, The San Diego Union Tribune, January 30, 2023
Coalition Letter: Caltrans Protected Bikeways, February 1, 2023
Colin Parent talks Fast Bus!, SANDAG, and VMT fees on the “Talking Headways” podcast, February 2, 2023
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Circulator - 01/20/2023
SAVE THE DATE: Circulate’s February Membership Mixer
Join Circulate staff, local decision-makers, and professionals in the land use and transportation space for Circulate’s first membership mixer in 2023 to celebrate the release of our next big report: Making the Most of the Mid-Coast.
Thank you Alexandria Real Estate for hosting us for the evening at your state-of-the-art GradLabs building at Campus Point.
Current 2023 individual and corporate members attend for free!
STAY TUNED - Next report coming out in February
This February, Circulate San Diego is releasing its next big report: Making the Most of the Mid-Coast.
With the completion of the Mid-Coast Trolley Extension, the San Diego Region has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow its biotech economy, connect homes to jobs, and to address climate change.
Circulate San Diego is publishing a report that outlines and advocates for a robust update to nearby land use rules like the University Community Plan (UCPG), improved feeder bus and bicycle facilities, and other supportive policies. The effort will drive public and press discussions to support more development and smart growth in the area.
Check out Colin Parent's, Circulate San Diego Executive Director, Op-Ed outlining our work to Make the Most of the Mid-Coast. Opinion: How the San Diego region can build on new Mid-Coast Trolley (December 13, 2021)
Be one of the first to see the report.
BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Sarah Buchanan
Circulate is led by a passionate and dedicated group of volunteer Board of Directors. The same way we introduce new staff and interns, we will begin spotlighting these folks as well!
We are kicking off the 2023 Board Member Spotlight with our newly elected Board Vice Chair, Sarah Buchanan.
As Executive Vice President at the San Diego Housing Federation, Sarah brings over 15 years of nonprofit and corporate experience to help Circulate create excellent mobility choices and vibrant, healthy neighborhoods.
Thank you, Sarah, for your dedication to Circulate and the San Diego region.
RECAP: Cyclovia Encinitas 2023
The Circulate team had a fantastic time on Sunday, January 8th at the 2023 edition of Cyclovia Encinitas.
While our planners were holding down the fort at the Circulate booth, other team members were exploring the car-free route by bike. For four hours, Highway 101 from D Street to J Street was open to any and all forms of self-powered transportation, and thousands of people of all ages came out to enjoy Encinitas’ vibrant downtown. Octavio would like to give a special shout-out to the sheer volume of skilled toddlers operating strider bikes with confidence!
Thank you to everyone who came by to provide feedback on our informational boards, ask questions about transit, play with our cornhole set, or just say hello—we hope to see you all at future open streets events!
Plans to increase housing by reshaping TPAs' pass Land Use and Housing Committee
The Land Use and Housing Committee voted 3-1 to reshape Transit Priority Areas (and rename then Sustainable Development Areas) to include more housing capacity.
Circulate opposed the original proposal, which would have resulted in less housing capacity in high resource areas. Our letter of opposition resulted in an investigation by the State into our Fair Housing concerns.
Because of our advocacy, the City revised the proposal to include more areas in high resource neighborhoods. We spoke in favor and wrote a letter of support for the new proposal.
circulate news
Residents appeal approval of Ocean Creek transit-oriented housing, The San Diego Union Tribune, January 8, 2023
Proposed San Diego Code Update Seeks to Increase Density Near Transit, Planetizen, January 9, 2023
Sponsored Post: Illegally Parked Cars at Bus Stops Can Make Transit Inaccessible, Streetsblog, January 10, 2023
Oceanside denies appeal of transit-oriented development project. ‘We can’t say no’, The San Diego Union Tribune, January 12, 2023
San Diego Could Soon Get More High Rises and Granny Flats, NBC7, January 12, 2023
This is how one city is creating safer streets, YouTube, January 14, 2023
Final design underway for community park at Oceanside’s El Corazon, The San Diego Union Tribune, January 15, 2023
Here’s what’s being built in Escondido, the San Diego Union Tribune, January 15, 2023
Oceanside approves 295-unit Ocean Creek project near Fire Mountain, The Coast News Group, January 17, 2023
City land use committee okays "Sustainable Development Areas",San Diego Reader, January 17, 2023
San Diego police to launch traffic safety campaign near Westwood Elementary, Rancho Bernardo News Journal, January 18, 2023
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Circulator - 01/06/2023
- Happy New Year from the Circulate Team
- Checkoff your first New Year’s Resolution: Join or renew your Circulate Corporate Membership!
- Circulate TPA Efforts in Voice of San Diego
- Cyclovia Encinitas 2023: Car-Free Open Street Event
- Lincoln Cluster of Schools Clean Mobility in Schools Program
- Circulate News
Happy New Year from the Circulate Team
Together in 2022 we made San Diego a better place to live, work, and move around. As we begin 2023, we are ready to continue working for more afforable housing and better and faster transit. Check out our year-end zoom briefing that highlighted or many wins and this year’s agenda.
Happy New Year!
Colin, Dara, Jesse, Jeremy, Davida, Carlisle, Octavio, and Maria
Checkoff your first New Year’s Resolution: Join or renew your Circulate Corporate Membership!
With 2023 underway, now is the best time to sign up and take advantage Circulate Membership’s year-round benefits.
Corporate Membership with Circulate San Diego is for the calendar year, providing your organization with visibility throughout 2023 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
To learn more and sign up visit our:
Corporate membership page!
Circulate TPA Efforts in Voice of San Diego
Voice of San Diego reported this morning on Circulate’s success in modifying a code update to generate more housing, not less.
The rule change would have remapped where many of San Diego’s housing programs apply. The original proposal would have resulted in less housing capacity in high resource areas. We wrote a letter of opposition, which resulted in an investigation by the State into our Fair Housing concerns.
Because of our advocacy, the City revised the proposal to include more areas in high resource neighborhoods. We would like to thank City staff for making these revisions. Check out the letter of support for the new proposal:
Cyclovia Encinitas 2023: Car-Free Open Street Event
Visit Circulate San Diego's booth on Sunday, January 8th during the 2023 Cyclovia Encinitas!
Enjoy Encinitas' vibrant downtown along HWY 101 from D to J Streets from 10am-2pm on Sunday, January 8, 2023. Explore Downtown Encinitas via bike, on foot or other means of self-powered transportation, free of cars! Swing by multiple locations where live music and activities will be.
The San Diego Mountain Bike Association will host a bike skills/pump track area. The San Diego County Bike Coalition will host a bicycle safety rodeo course and provide bike racks and bike valets for people traveling by bikes downtown.
Stop and learn about many bike and mobility related programs and projects at various booths hosted by the City of Encinitas and partner agencies. Look for event-day specials from participating downtown shops and restaurants.
The event is free and open to the public!
Lincoln Cluster of Schools Clean Mobility in Schools Program
Did you know the communities near Lincoln High suffer from some of San Diego County’s worst air quality? In 2021, the Lincoln Cluster Clean Mobility in Schools Project was awarded multi-year funding by the California Air Resources Board, bringing clean technology into the neighborhood and helping to reduce air pollution and improve the community’s air quality. Investments include electrics school buses, an electric bike program, electric trucks for the district’s food delivery program, electric landscaping and cleaning equipment, free workforce training on zero-emission automotive careers and electrical trades, and more. These improvements will be implemented through this year, 2023, and will have positive environmental impacts for years to come.
Circulate is participating in the project by providing pedestrian and bicycle safety assemblies to 14 schools in the Lincoln Cluster, as well as helping with the administration of the program’s electric bike pilot for staff and students at Lincoln High. Stay tuned for more information on events and demonstration projects associated with this program in the next few months!
circulate news
MountainWest Real Estate Begins Negotiations With City of Chula Vista and Metropolitan Transportation System to Develop Bayview Point in Chula Vista, CA, GlobeNewswire, December 28, 2022
California Relaxes Parking Mandates to Free Up Multifamily Development—But Will Neighbors and Lenders Approve? Urban Land, January 3, 2023
Circulate 2022 Year-End Briefing, December 15, 2022
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Circulator - 12/16/2022
- intro Spotlight: Maria Walker
- Last Chance to Renew Corporate Membership Before Rate Increase
- San Diegans Say, If the Bus Were Faster, I’d Ride It
- Year-End Zoom Briefing
- Father Joe’s Final Field Trips and Celebration
- Planning Team Member Becomes a League Cycling Instructor (LCI)
- Congrats to former Circulate Board Member, Assemblyman David Alvarez!
- Circulate News
intro spotlight: maria walker
Join us in welcoming our new Assistant Planner, Maria Walker! As is our tradition, we interviewed Maria so our supporters and members can get to know her.
Last Chance to Renew Corporate Membership Before Rate Increase
Corporate Members fuel Circulate San Diego’s work to advocate for safe streets, improved transit, and better land use policy. With your support we are making San Diego a better place to live, work, and move around.
Circulate is known as the go to organization for land use and mobility policy, and to be at the forefront of innovative and practical solutions. To ensure our continued success and meet the demands of increasing costs we are adjusting our membership dues starting on January 1, 2023.
Join or renew your 2023 Corporate Membership by December 31st and pay the 2022 membership level price, but get all the great benefits in 2023.
San Diegans Say, If the Bus Were Faster, I’d Ride It
Circulate’s recent report, Fast Bus!, was featured in a recent article published in Voice of San Diego. The article quotes policy counsel Jesse O’Sullivan, and echoes our message that making the bus run faster is good policy.
The article was spawned after author MacKenzie Elmer asked on Twitter what it would take for San Diegans to ride the bus regularly. The overwhelming majority of responses (not just the ones from Colin), requested more frequency or faster buses.
The article comes soon after Jesse’s op-ed published in the San Diego Union Tribune. Our reports continue to get media coverage and drive policy conversations in San Diego.Year-End Zoom Briefing
Together in 2022 we made San Diego a better place to live, work, and move around. As we close out the year we want to celebrate some incredible wins and let you know how we are setting the agenda for land use and transportation policy in the region in 2023.
On Wednesday, we hosted a special zoom briefing for Corporate Members. Take a look at the recap and check out all we did in 2022, and see what we have planned for next year.
Father Joe’s Final Field Trips and Celebration
When we embarked upon our first field trip with Father Joe’s Villages back in September, we were joined by several individuals who would go on to participate in nearly every single subsequent trip—totaling eleven trips over the course of three months.
After four transit trips, four walking trips, two scooter trips, and one bike trip, every attendee was invited to a final celebratory pizza party hosted at the new Saint Teresa of Calcutta Villa affordable housing community. Five folks received free bicycles from Father Joe’s as a token of thanks for their continued participation in the program, and Circulate provided U-locks, lights, bells, and tube patch kits for each bike.
It has been such a joy to spend each Monday with our Father Joe’s friends for so long, and we look forward to future opportunities to collaborate.
Planning Team Member Becomes a League Cycling Instructor (LCI)
Over the past two months, Circulate Senior Planner Carlisle Dockery leveraged her Circulate professional development benefits to work towards her League Cycling Instructor (LCI) certification through the League of American Bicyclists.
After finishing two Smart Cycling classes hosted by the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition at the Oceanside Public Library, which consisted of several hours of classroom education, a 13-mile bike ride, completion of a skills course, and a written exam, Carlisle traveled to Albuquerque, New Mexico for the LCI Seminar.
Alongside a group of very talented bike mechanics from the Esperanza Bicycle Safety Education Center, she spent three days in classes, giving presentations, teaching lessons, and taking both road and written tests. Now that Carlisle is an LCI, she is officially certified to teach a wide range of bicycle safety lessons and skills to both new and returning bicyclists and youth!
Congrats to former Circulate Board Member, Assemblyman David Alvarez!
On Monday, the Circulate team joined residents from across the South Bay to celebrate the swearing-in of our former board member, Assemblyman David Alvarez.
We look forward to working with him to create more attainable housing opportunities.
circulate news
NCTD gets $240,000 to plan housing for Escondido Transit Center, The San Diego Union Tribune, November 27, 2022
CA: NCTD gets $240,000 to plan housing for Escondido Transit Center, Mass Transit, November 29, 2022
Opinion: Here’s a simple way to make bus riders happy and meet climate goals — while saving money, The San Diego Union Tribune, November 30, 2022
Study to explore more housing near Escondido Transit Center, The Coast News Group, December 6, 2022
Caltrans testing new life-saving tech along busy I-8 exit aimed to prevent wrong-way driving, Fox5, December 7, 2022
San Jose Becomes Largest US City to Drop Minimum Parking Rules, ALM Globest.com, December 12, 2022
Environment Report: San Diegans Say, If the Bus Were Faster, I’d Ride It., Voice of San Diego, December 13, 2022
Letter: Support for Proposed Sustainable Development Areas, December 8, 2022
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Intro Spotlight: Maria Walker
Intro Spotlight: Maria Walker
In keeping with our tradition of interviewing new team members, we asked our new Assistant Planner, Maria Walker a few questions...
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am an Urban Studies and Planning graduate, with a minor in Ethnic Studies from UCSD. While I may have been born in Southern CA, I grew up in Brooklyn, NY. Living in California these past 4 years have been a bit of a culture shock for someone fluent in public transportation, but I am eager to be a part of the process here in San Diego.
In my spare time, I like to read and spend time with my cat Mochi! I enjoy baking banana breads and trying new recipes. Since I am a “Walker”, I’ve always followed my namesake and love walking by the beach or in nature during my downtime.
How did you become interested in Circulate San Diego?
When I began my initial job search, I was looking for an entry level position in urban planning, but urban planning encompasses so many sectors and careers that it was hard finding the right thing. Using my projects from college and reflecting what my passions were, I knew I wanted to work for a company that did community engagement and focused on improving transportation and walkability.
It was difficult in the beginning because there’s not many positions, especially in the private sector, that are as involved with the people compared to NGOs. Instead, many focused on technical writing, solely design work, or research. I wanted something with a bit more flexibility to learn and do everything. This was when I searched up on google, rather than indeed, “San Diego NGOs Walkability” and Circulate appeared! And of course, I applied and here I am!
What’s your most memorable face palm moment? Or what is your biggest achievement to date? Choose one.
It's hard for me to recall a singular facepalm moment because I feel like I have them all the time. In the summer before my senior year of college, I was looking for an interview to fulfill my graduation requirement, and at the time I was applying to cities such as Del Mar, Solana Beach, and La Jolla to stay close to campus. I was also taking a summer ethnic studies course on “Latina Voices”, and I had my final essay to submit before the summer session was over.
However, I was also working on my resume for Del Mar that I submitted my resume rather than my final essay to my professor, and I did not realize until a day before grades were due! Luckily, my professor contacted me before grades went through, and she even offered her help to look over my cover letter and resume after the class ended! I was grateful this fluke worked in my favor, and with her help, I ended up getting my internship at Del Mar!
If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor?
I’ve met many amazing people in San Diego, especially in the field of planning that I have already chosen several as my mentors. I am so thankful for my professors Sue Peerson and Mor Shilon; both are empowering women in urban planning who are accomplishing many things in their respective careers.
Sue introduced to me to the design aspect of urban planning and how important placemaking is today. With her guidance, I have been able to expand on my projects and create vibrant, walkable communities that have inspired me to continue this direction in my career. It's one of the reasons why I want to work on transportation and walkability in San Diego!
Mor is an amazing friend and professor who introduced me to the value of community engagement and research. Her methods of teaching were nontraditional compared to my many classes in college; with her guidance, I developed as a planner and always remembered to work with the community, not for it! It’s such an essential skill, especially in a career where what we do affect day-to-day lives.
I am so grateful I can call them both my mentors and I hope to put everything I’ve learned from them both into my new job at Circulate.
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Circulator - 12/2/2022
Corporate Members – Renew Today and Save
Corporate Members fuel Circulate San Diego’s work to advocate for safe streets, improved transit, and better land use policy. With your support we are making San Diego a better place to live, work, and move around.
Circulate is known as the go to organization for land use and mobility policy, and to be at the forefront of innovative and practical solutions. To ensure our continued success and meet the demands of increasing costs we are adjusting our membership dues starting on January 1, 2023.
Join or renew your 2023 Corporate Membership by December 31st and pay the 2022 membership level price, but get all the great benefits in 2023.
Circulate Op-ed: Make the Bus Run Faster
There is a way to make riders happy, meet climate goals and bring on new riders, all while spending public resources wisely: Make the bus run faster.
That’s the message from policy counsel Jesse O’Sullivan in an op-ed that was published in the San Diego Union Tribune. The piece highlights our recent report, Fast Bus.Year-End Zoom Briefing
We are hosting a special zoom briefing for Corporate Members. Join us on December 14th at noon for a unique sneak peek into what Circulate will be working on in 2023. We will hear from Circulate staff and leadership on our priorities and you will have a chance to give your thoughts and suggestions.
To RSVP and receive the Zoom link email Jeremy at [email protected].
Live Well Advance Conference December 7th
Join Circulate at the 2022 Live Well Advance Conference and School Summit where we will be speaking about the methodology behind our popular walking field trips.
The event features over 50 interactive breakout sessions and partner networking to advance the Live Well vision to create a region where all San Diego County residents can be healthy, safe, and thrive. Come visit our booth or see our session “Walk This Way!
Empowering Everyone in the Community to Make Safe Streets a Reality” on Wednesday, December 7th from 11:40AM to 12:00PM.
To register for FREE... Click here!
ULI San Diego - Tijuana is hosting a movie premiere!
Join ULI San Diego - Tijuana for the premier of our short film "Connecting Paradise" and stick around for a Q&A and member social to close out our year of programming!
The film, Connecting Paradise,explores San Diego’s historic visions by examining public planning strategies beginning in the late 1800’s through today’s ambitious plans for the 21st Century.
The film also examines the issues of leadership and diversity and the role they play in San Diego’s development. The film includes interviews with key participants in planning, designing, and writing about San Diego.
Circulate news
FTA Awards $13.1MM in TOD Grants, November 17, 2022
Vision Zero, SANDAG, November 18, 2022
Somber display will honor San Diegans killed on roadways, KPBS, November 18, 2022
Report: Rate Of Mass. Traffic Fatalities Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Levels, Rock 105.3, November 21, 2022
NCTD Awarded Funding from FTA for Escondido Transit-Oriented Development, North County Transit District, November 21, 2022
The North County Transit District Is Becoming a Developer, Voice of San Diego, November 18, 2022
Mayor Gloria promises to prioritize safety over speed on streets, SDNews.com, November 22, 2022
North County Transit District Receives $240,000 Award For Escondido Study, Patch, November 22, 2022
Investing in Livable Communities: ULI Advises on the Future of Charlotte’s LYNX Silver Line, UrbanLand, November 23, 2022
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Circulator - 11/11/2022
Corporate Members – Renew Today and Save
Corporate Members fuel Circulate San Diego’s work to advocate for safe streets, improved transit, and better land use policy. With your support we are making San Diego a better place to live, work, and move around.
Circulate is known as the go to organization for land use and mobility policy, and to be at the forefront of innovative and practical solutions. To ensure our continued success and meet the demands of increasing costs we are adjusting our membership dues starting on January 1, 2023.
We are giving you the opportunity to join or renew early and save! Join or renew your 2023 Corporate Membership by December 31st and pay the 2022 membership level price, but get all the great benefits in 2023.
Thank you for joining us at our november mixer!
Thanks to everyone who attended our November Membership Mixer last night!
Special thank you to Supervisor Vice-Chair Nora Vargas for your time and remarks. Lots of progress has been made to build housing, introduce bike infrastructure, and protect pedestrians moving around our region. We are excited to work together to build on these efforts in the years to come.
We especially want to thank all of our Corporate sponsors and individual members who help make our work possible. Together we are making San Diego a better place to live, work, and move around.
Recap of CicloSDias
This past Sunday, November 6th, was the City of San Diego’s annual CicloSDias event organized by the San Diego Bike Coalition. This was an opportunity to close popular downtown street for only active transportation modes such as biking, walking, and rolling.
Circulate had the pleasure of manning a pitstop along the 3-mile route. We provided education on bike infrastructure, had a temporary parklet for people to take a break, and had plenty of water and snacks to fuel the participants. We look forward to the next one!
Moving on to Bike and Scooter Rides with Father Joe’s!
After going on two more wonderful walking field trips with our Father Joe’s Villages friends, we are just about ready to move on to our bicycle and scooter programming. Two weeks ago we were able to walk along the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade to visit Seaport Village, where everyone enjoyed some pizza and seltzer water by the duck pond.
This week, we went on a mini park tour of East Village, taking selfies at Fault Line Park, finding out that Park at the Park was closed for the day (very sad), and ending up at the San Diego Central Public Library where participants used some of the gift cards they’d earned through this program to buy books, pens, and coffee mugs!
Next week, we’ll host a scooter rodeo with help from our colleagues at BIRD, so that the Father Joe’s community can get some valuable training and practice using scooters safely.
World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims – November 18th
Join Families for Safe Streets San Diego and the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition in observing World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims. They will honor the 294 individuals who were killed in San Diego traffic crashes last year, listen to stories from the families of victims, and call on our elected officials to invest in proven road safety solutions.
During this event on November 18th, they'll be calling on our elected officials to make three key commitments:
1. Complete a Bicycle Master Plan Update by the end of 2023
2. Lower speed limits and build physical traffic calming projects on all eight of San Diego's most dangerous Vision Zero corridors by June 30, 2024
3. Double the funding and annual mileage target for San Diego's quick-build bikeways team, to set a standard of building 18 miles of quick-build safe bikeways per year
To show our elected officials the urgency of safe streets, they'll need a huge show of support from the community for this event.
circulate news
Pedestrian deaths lead to push for better infrastructure in National City, KUSI News, October 30, 2022City leaders push for pedestrian and cyclist safety, Fox 5, October 27, 2022
$33M Vista Apartment Project Caters to Artists, San Diego Business Journal, October 27, 2022Sponsored Post: How to Speed up Buses? With Automated Enforcement of Bus Lanes and Bus Stops, says Circulate San Diego, StreetsBlog, October 31, 2022
Upscale Neighborhoods Sue to Stop San Diego Plan for More Equitable Spending, Streetsblog, November 3, 2022
County of San Diego Awarded Grant from the Office of Traffic Safety for Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program, County News Center, November 4, 2022
Letter: Support for Imperial Beach Ninth Street Complete Streets Project, November 4, 2022
Press Release: Supervisor Nora Vargas Headlines Circulate Membership Mixer in Barrio Logan, November 7, 2022
Coalition Letter: AHSC Draft Round 7 Guidelines, November 9, 2022
Coalition letter: Opposition to change in definition of TPA, November 9, 2022
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Circulator - 10/28/2022
Announcing: Vice Chair Nora Vargas at Circulate's Membership Mixer on 11/10
We are excited to announce that San Diego County Supervisor Nora Vargas is joining us for beers and tacos at our November Membership Mixer. Her remarks will begin around 6:30 pm.
Vargas serves as Chair for SANDAG’s Transportation Committee and the Air Pollution Control District and is the County’s representative to the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) and National Association of Counties (NACo). In February 2022, Vice Chair Vargas was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to serve on the California Air Resources Board.
We hope to see you in November!
Check out the 2022 Momentum Award Photos!
Last month, we came together for our 2022 Momentum Awards and celebrate the people and projects in the San Diego region that are creating excellent mobility choices and vibrant, healthy neighborhoods.
Congratulations City of San Diego – 2022 Larson Housing Policy Leadership Award
Circulate San Diego sends congratulations to the City of San Diego for winning the prestigious 2022 Larson Housing Policy Leadership Award for their citywide Affordable Homes Bonus Program (AHBP).
The City of San Diego enacted AHBP in 2016, which substantially increased the production of both market-rate and deed-restricted affordable homes. The program allows developers to build more homes if they agree to set aside a subset of a new project as affordable.
Circulate led a coalition of advocates in 2016 to champion the adoption of the AHBP. Circulate also sponsored Assembly Bill 2345 in 2020 (Gonzalez Fletcher) that extended the program throughout California. In 2020, AB 2345 was the most significant housing production bill signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Earlier this year, Circulate San Diego published a report “Home Run for Homes,” which documents the success of the AHBP. That report showed that in 2020, nearly half of the units entitled in the City of San Diego benefitted from the AHBP. Circulate included data from “Home Run for Homes” when it nominated the City of San Diego for the ULI Larson Housing Policy Leadership Award.
Father Joe’s Walking Field Trips Are Getting Underway!
We wrapped up our final transit field trip with the Father Joe’s Villages community two weeks ago with a beautiful bus ride to Coronado Beach, and have since moved on to the walking portion of our programming.
Our first trip this week took us across the Harbor Drive Pedestrian Bridge to Bayfront Park, Balboa Landing, and along the Embarcadero. We loved finding new waterfront areas to access, complete with fishing piers, basketball courts, and workout stations.
Next week we are looking forward to exploring the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade en route to Seaport Village!
circulate news
The Death of Parking Requirements, Planetizen, October 6, 2022
$33M Vista Apartment Project Caters to Artists, San Diego Business Journal, October 27, 2022
City leaders push for pedestrian and cyclist safety, Fox 5 News, October 27, 20222022
Coalition Letter: FY24 Funding for Vision Zero, September 19, 2022
Letter: Allow Parking District Funds to be Spent on Green Transportation Amenities, September 20, 2022
Letter: Opposition to Proposed Downzone in Land Development Code Update, September 26, 2022
Press Release - Circulate San Diego Congratulates the City of San Diego for Winning Prestigious National Housing Policy Leadership Award, September 26, 2022
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Circulator - 10/14/2022
- Farewell: Morgen Ruby!
- Circulate is Hiring! - Assistant orAssociate Planner
- SAVE THE DATE: Circulate’s Post Election Membership Mixer
- Circulate Releases Report: Fast Bus!
- Fast Bus in the Media
- Father Joe’s Transit Trips to Mission Valley and La Mesa
- Circulate Staff Welcome Smart Growth California to San Diego
- Transition to Zero-Emissions Trucks Could Save Lives in San Diego
- Circulate News
Farewell: Morgen Ruby!
It is with bitter sweet emotion, we wish our Associate Planner, Morgen Ruby, a happy farewell!
To read as she shares about the great work she has done and her experience with us:
We wish her the best of luck with all her future endeavors!
Circulate is Hiring! - Assistant or Associate Planner
Circulate is hiring for our planning and community engagement team! This is a unique opportunity for an entry level to medium level planning professional to join a high-profile organization and a team of collaborative and dynamic planners.
This position is perfect for a lateral jump into a nonprofit, or for an up-and-comer looking to take the next step in their career to develop leadership, management, and business skills.
SAVE THE DATE: Circulate’s Post Election Membership Mixer
Come for the free drinks and tacos, stay for the conversation and networking.
Join Circulate staff, local decision-makers, and professionals in the land use and transportation space for Circulate’s Post Election Membership Mixer on November 10th and Border X Brewing.
Circulate Releases Report: Fast Bus!
On October 6, Circulate released our report, Fast Bus! The report provides cost-effective, actionable recommendations for making buses faster and more reliable.
The San Diego region has an opportunity to invest in its bus network to make it reliable, frequent and fast.
Fast Bus in the Media
As part of the Fast Bus! report release, our staff organized a press conference to announce our recommendations. We were joined by San Diego City Council Member Stephen Whitburn, California Transportation Commissioner Clarissa Reyes Falcon, and bus rider Rachel Graham, along with other transit leaders.
A number of outlets carried the story, including ABC 10 News, KPBS - Midday Edition, California Local Today, and Words & Deeds blog. This kind of publicity is key to promoting our region’s successes and driving the conversation for better transit policies. And, on Saturday we hosted a panel discussion at Voice of San Diego’s Politifest.
Circulate’s Policy Counsel, Jesse O’Sullivan hosted a Fast Bus! Lunch & Learn on October 13th.
Father Joe’s Transit Trips to Mission Valley and La Mesa
Since the last Circulator, our planning team has had the pleasure of taking two more transit field trips with the Father Joe’s Villages community.
After our first trip to the South Bay region, we’ve since explored Mission Valley and East County using the Green and Orange MTS lines respectively. Following an exciting trip to Fashion Valley last week to find some new shoes and Sephora freebies, this week the group took an outing to La Mesa. Everyone enjoyed some delicious and creative desserts from the Yogurt Mill and we celebrated one of our group members’ first day of school!
Next week we are taking a beach trip to Coronado on the bus for our final transit trip before we start our walking and biking trips.
Circulate Staff Welcome Smart Growth California to San Diego
Circulate San Diego staff had the pleasure to give a walking tour to Smart Growth California's Director, Ron Milam. Founded in 2009 by The Funders Network and The San Francisco Foundation, Smart Growth California is a network of funders working together to build healthy, equitable, and sustainable communities throughout California. Ron was in town to meet with a new local round table of funders looking to invest in the San Diego Region.
We shared the progress we have made in downtown bike infrastructure and the work of multiple agencies involved in the 4th, 5th, and B street bike lanes. We also hopped on the trolley and visited the 12th & Imperial MTS station. Not only a bustling transit stop, but the site of potential MTS parking lot development site. In 2018, Circulate published a ground-breaking report, “Real Opportunity”, calling for many of these underutilized lots as future housing development locations.
In April, Circulate San Diego, joined Smart Growth California and the Funding Network, to call on Foundations and Philanthropist to invest in transit advocacy and address the nation’s transportation system impacts on climate, equity, and health.
Transition to Zero-Emissions Trucks Could Save Lives in San Diego
A new report by the American Lung Association finds that switching to zero-emission trucks and electricity would significantly reduce health impacts and disparities in pollution-burdened communities that are home to major truck traffic, including San Diego.
The report, “Delivering Clean Air: Health Benefits of Zero-Emission Trucks and Electricity,” illustrates the potential health benefits if all new medium- and heavy-duty vehicles sold are zero-emission by 2040. The report focuses specifically on trucking corridors with 8,500 or more trucks trips per day. It also projects that the nation’s electric grid will be powered by clean, non-combustion renewable energy replacing fossil fuels by 2035.
Here in San Diego, a transition to clean trucks would allow our region to avoid 748 deaths, 103,000 missed workdays and potentially save us more than $8.4 billion in associated public health benefits.
For more information, please visit www.Lung.org/ev
Also, show your support, join LUNG FORCE Walk Sunday, January 29, 2023, at Liberty Station when San Diegans walk or run 5K and raise their voices for lung health and clean air. Visit www.LUNGFORCE.org/sandiego
circulate news
Carlsbad to continue new initiatives to curb collisions involving bikes, e-bikes, Bicycle Retailer, September 29, 2022
Riding a Dockless Scooter? Here are San Diego’s 7 Official Safety Rules, Times of San Diego, October 1, 2022
Mixed-Use Affordable Housing Opens in Vista with Dual Purpose of Stoking Interest in Arts, Times of San Diego, October 3, 2022
California’s Snapdragon Stadium reflects San Diego through design, The Construction Specifier, October 4, 2022
In-Depth: Report offers solutions to make MTS bus rides
faster, 10News, October 6, 2022In-Depth: Report offers solutions to make MTS bus rides faster, Yahoo News, October 6, 2022
Fast Bus! Report Released, 10News, October 6, 2022
Carlsbad outlines traffic safety initiatives, The Coast News Group, October 6, 2022
Press Release: Circulate San Diego Completes Walking Field Trips with Hoover High School Students And Staff, September 30, 2022
Press Release: Circulate San Diego and Groundwork San Diego Complete Walking Field Trips in Southeast San Diego, September 30, 2022
Policy Report: Fast Bus!, October 6, 2022
Media Advisory: Lunch and Learn: “Fast Bus” Presentation, October 12, 2022
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Farewell: Morgen Ruby
farewell: morgen ruby
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.
Tell us a bit about your time at Circualte (planning, policy, roles, how long).
As an Associate Planner at Circulate, I was able to gain experience in project management, community engagement, business development, and grant writing as part of a small team. I loved working on such a small team at a local scale, and working towards a more vibrant San Diego.
What was your favorite part of working at Circulate?
My favorite part about working at Circulate was forming connections with community members and organizations. It is inspiring to learn about the work local groups are doing to contribute to safer, healthier neighborhoods across the San Diego region and the people behind the process. At Circulate, I exercised creative and innovative thinking to draft engagement tools and simplify complex data in a digestible format for residents. It’s great to see the impact of our work firsthand.
What are your favorite projects or accomplishments from your time at Circulate?
I loved working in the southeast neighborhood of San Diego. Residents are passionate to see positive change and their voice and experiences are an important piece of the work we do. To help educate folks on traffic calming, I designed a 12 foot x 36 foot remote control car course, paired with educational boards to convey the importance of slowing down cars and possible solutions geared at all ages. A tool that was created for the southeast neighborhood has now been used across the San Diego region and even as far as Cathedral City.
What are you doing next, and what are your career plans?
I will still be working in the field of active transportation in San Diego and have the opportunity to work closely with Circulate staff members as well as the connections I have formed across the region.
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Circulator - 09/30/2022
- Planning Commission Seeks Homes and Jobs in UC Community Plan Update
- SAVE THE DATE: Circulate’s Post Election Membership Mixer
- Taking Transit to Chula Vista with Father Joe’s!
- Big City Design + Planning Symposium
- Ready to Ride? Transit is Free on October 5th!
- Caltrans-University of Florida Research-to-Practice Transit Symposium
- Circulate News
Planning Commission seeks homes and jobs in UC Community Plan Update
On Thursday, Circulate Policy Counsel Jesse O’Sullivan made public comment at the San Diego Planning Commission in support of more homes, jobs, and transportation options in the University City Community Plan Update.
Those concerns were echoed by planning commission members. They emphasized the importance of making the most of our mid-coast trolley extension, a $2 billion dollar transit investment which connects the area to the region.
SAVE THE DATE: Circulate’s Post Election Membership Mixer
Come for the free drinks and tacos, stay for the conversation and networking.
Join Circulate staff, local decision-makers, and professionals in the land use and transportation space for Circulate’s Post Election Membership Mixer on November 10th at Border X Brewing!
We are excited to welcome special guest Assemblymember David Alvarez!
Taking Transit to Chula Vista with Father Joe’s!
On Monday, Circulate staff traveled with several members of the Father Joe’s Villages community on a transit field trip to Chula Vista. We all walked over from the new St. Teresa of Calcutta Village affordable housing development to 12th & Imperial Station and used our MTS 1-Day Passes to board a Blue Line trolley heading towards San Ysidro.
After a pleasant 20-minute ride we got off at the Palomar Street Station, which is conveniently located next to a grocery store, Target, Walmart, HHSA center, public park, and much more. Everyone enjoyed walking around a new area and doing a bit of exploring.
We have several more upcoming pedestrian, bicycle, and transit trips we’ll be hosting with Father Joe’s over the next few months.
Stay tuned for many more exciting activities in this area!
Big City Design + Planning Symposium
Big cities create big opportunities for innovation in design and planning that transforms daily life and shapes the future. Their complexity and scale also create unique challenges for integrating design and planning, both in terms of processes and outcomes.
Join UCSD for a discussion of the opportunities and challenges of big city design and planning with a panel of internationally renowned urbanists, including design professionals who have served as planning directors or in design leadership positions in major North American cities including Vancouver, San Francisco, Portland, Berkeley, Washington, Oakland, New Orleans, Birmingham, Seattle, Pittsburgh, Denver, and Milwaukee.
Big City Design + Planning Symposium is Co-Sponsored by the UCSD Department of Urban Studies and Planning & the UCSD Design Lab.
Big City Design + Planning Symposium is a full day event on Friday, October 14th @ UCSD Park & Market.
For more information, please contact [email protected]. To attend, please:
Ready to Ride? Transit is Free on October 5th!
Don’t forget – public transit in San Diego County is free on Wednesday, October 5th for Free Ride Day! Trolleys, the COASTER, SPRINTER and all fixed-route buses will be totally free. You don’t need any fare to ride, just hop on and go!
Need some ideas of where public transit can take you? Here’s some ideas for Free Ride Day:
- Catch the Padres final home game
- Grab a bite and explore the Tacos by Transit map
- Enjoy something sweet with the MTS Ice Cream Crawl
- Stretch your legs with nature trails by transit
- And more!
If you’ll be on board for Free Ride Day, snap a photo and share on social using the hashtag #SDFreeRideDay. Learn more.
Caltrans-University of Florida Research-to-Practice Transit Symposium
You are invited to attend the 2022 Research-to-Practice Transit Symposium, organized in collaboration by Caltrans and the University of Florida. Symposium presentations, panels, and debates will feature nationally- and globally renowned transit experts, including SANDAG’s Omar Atayee who will speak about the San Diego area’s mobility hubs. Further, event attendees can receive AICP credits!
Register for the October 25-27 online Symposium on Eventbrite:
For more information, feel free to browse the official event website or contact Caltrans’s Andy Furillo at [email protected].
Circulate news
Some Pacific Beach residents urge San Diego to reopen Diamond Street after two years, CBS8, September 15, 2022
MTS approves project to provide affordable housing options for San Diegans, KUSI News, September 15, 2022
Joe LaCava and UCSD win Momentum Awards, La Jolla Light, September 21, 2022
Hines Begins Construction of Riverwalk Village with Groundbreaking Ceremony, Hines, September 22, 2022
Mixed-Use Development Breaks Ground in Mission Valley, Connectcre, September 26, 2022
Coalition Letter: Support for Proposed Reforms to Community Planning Groups – Updated, September 12, 2022
Press Release: Circulate San Diego Congratulates City Council For Passing Community Planning Group Reform, September 13, 2022
Press Release: Circulate San Diego Announces 2022 Momentum Award Winners, September 15, 2022
Circulate Endorses San Diego Measures B, C, and D, September 16, 2022
Letter: Request for Governor's Signature on SB 922, September 16, 2022
Letter: University Community Plan Update Recommendations, September 20, 2022
Letter: College Area Community Plan Update Recommendations, September 21, 2022
Letter: Mira Mesa Community Plan Update Recommendations, September 21, 2022
Letter: Request for Governor's Signature on AB 2097, September 21, 2022
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Circulator - 09/16/2022
Recap: 2022 Momentum Awards!
With over 350 guests in attendance, the 2022 Momentum Awards was a tremendous success!
It was wonderful to come together to celebrate the people and projects in the San Diego region that are creating excellent mobility choices and vibrant, healthy neighborhoods.
We want to thank everyone who attended Wednesday’s event, including our generous corporate sponsors. This night definitely could not have been as successful as it was without you.
Thank you to our amazing staff, development committee and vendors for organizing this special event.
A special thanks to Council Member Joe LaCava, Governor Gavin Newsom, and Laura Keenan for being this year’s “Walk the Walk” awardees and for leadership in taking substantial action for safer streets and better land use policy.
Congratulations to all of the 2022 award winners! Check out the winners.
Circulate Endorses San Diego Measures B, C, and D
Circulate endorses ballot measures in election years. This year we are supporting these measures in the City of San Diego:
- Measure B, which will allow city council to make trash collection fees equitable between multi-family residents and single family residents.
- Measure C, which will allow more transit-oriented development in the Midway District by lifting the restrictive height limit.
- Measure D, which will ensure access to state infrastructure funds by allowing the City to enter into project labor agreements.
Read our announcement here.
SAVE THE DATE - november membership mixer
Join Circulate San Diego for our November Membership Mixer on November 10th at Border X Brewing in Barrio Logan.
We’ll have a fun evening with our diverse and engaged membership for networking, free drinks, music, and celebrations. Mingle with Circulate staff members, local decision makers, and professionals in the land use and transportation space.
We are also pleased to announce that we'll be joined by Assemblymember David Alvarez!
CPG Reform Passes City Council
On Tuesday, the San Diego City Council voted six to one to adopt reforms to community planning groups. The move is a major breakthrough after of years of advocacy led by Circulate San Diego. Circulate released its report “Democracy in Planning” in February 2018. That report was followed by a grand jury report, recommendations from the City’s Land Use and Housing Committee, and several legal memos from the City Attorney and Circulate San Diego, all calling for reforms. That work is cataloged on our website.
The reforms were put forward by Councilmember Joe La Cava, and supported by a broad coalition. Special thanks to all who showed up to support at City Council.
Read our press release here.
In the Field: Bus Audit
How can we make our busses run faster?
Our planning and policy teams came together last week to conduct a bus audit on parts of the #7 and #215 MTS bus lines. As part of the audit, a group of Circulate staff and supporters, looked at how bus stops, all door boarding, transfers points, and bus only lanes could be used improved to make our entire system work faster.
Observations and research will be highlighted in our next report: “Fast Bus!” Stay tuned.
Demonstration at Balboa Avenue Transit Center Recap
The Circulate Planning team held a demonstration project on Tuesday at the new Balboa Avenue Transit Center to showcase safe pedestrian crossing infrastructure.
The team built a high-visibility crosswalk with curb extensions and a pedestrian refuge island out of temporary materials. Participants were educated on the importance of safe pedestrian crossings and got to test it out firsthand!
Wouldn’t it be great to see more of this around transit centers?
Walking Field Trip Bingo
Walking Field Trips aren’t anything new for Circulate, but we developed a fun, new twist for Downtown’s Serving Seniors Walking Club and added Bingo!
We co-led a walk around downtown, identifying and learning about bicycle and pedestrian friendly infrastructure from bike boxes and protected bike lanes to bus shelters and curb extensions. Whoever spotted 4 infrastructures in a row first won a Circulate-inspired prize. The group had a lot of fun and are now familiar with all of downtown’s new infrastructure.
Keep an eye out for our next Walking Field Trip Bingo!
Circulate news
Eight-Story Rezoning Plan Turned Down By La Mesa Planners; City Council May Hear Appeal, East County Magazine, September 8, 2022
Plans revised for affordable housing in Oceanside Transit Center development, The San Diego Union Tribune, September 11, 2022
Opinion: San Diego’s Community Planning Groups Must Also Serve Needs of Renters, Times of San Diego, September 13, 2022
Sweeping reforms will make neighborhood planning groups more diverse, but possibly less powerful, The San Diego Union Tribune, September 14, 2022
Coalition Letter: Support for AB 2438 - Align Transportation Funding with Climate Goals, August 22, 2022
Coalition Letter: Support for Proposed Reforms to Community Planning Groups, September 6, 2022
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Circulator - 09/02/2022
- Join us for tacos, a hosted bar, and the 2022 Momentum Awards!
- Walking Field Trip Recap
- Carlsbad Farmer’s Market Recap
- Safe Driving Tuesday Lunch N Learns and Thursday After Hours!
- Lincoln High Staff E-Bike Distribution and Rodeo
- Keeler Court Coffee and Donuts
- Father Joe’s Villages Bike Ride and Pop-Up Event
- Solana Beach Outreach Event and Final School Assessment
- Circulate News
Join us for tacos, a hosted bar, and the 2022 Momentum Awards!
Let’s Celebrate the people and projects making San Diego great. This year’s Momentum Awards is bigger and better than ever – you don’t want to miss out.
We are excited to head back to the Natural History Museum and recognize the people and projects in the San Diego region that are making it is easier to live, work, and move around.
See you on September 14th!
Walking Field Trip Recap
Tuesday night, the Circulate Planning team partnered with friends from Groundwork San Diego to lead a walking field trip along Federal Boulevard from Euclid Avenue to 47th Street.
Residents joined to help collect data and share their experiences regarding pedestrian and bicyclist safety and comfort. These findings will be compiled into a map to help fight for funding in San Diego’s southeast neighborhood.
Carlsbad Farmer’s Market Recap
Circulate attended the Carlsbad Farmer’s Market on Wednesday to ask residents about the safety and comfort for walking and biking both in Carlsbad.
Participants mentioned they felt unsafe at railroad crossings, at intersections along primary corridors, and in unprotected bike lanes. There were also concerns over jaywalking, merging into the City’s newest traffic circle along the Coast highway, and lack of bike lanes connecting the Village to Carlsbad High School.
Though the City has added new infrastructure to increase safety and comfort over the last decade, there is still more work to be done to prevent injuries and save lives.
Safe Driving Tuesday Lunch N Learns and Thursday After Hours!
Our new upcoming Safe Driving presentation series will start next week! We will be hosting a presentation on Zoom every Tuesday during lunch time and every Thursday after work hours to have a discussion on driving.
We will be discussing good driving tips, sharing the road with others such as bicyclists, and ways of preventing crashes.
Safe Driving Lunch N Learn dates are:
- Tuesday, September 6, 2022 from 12-1pm
- Tuesday, September 13, 2022 from 12-1pm
- Tuesday, September 20, 2022 from 12-1pm
- Tuesday, September 27 2022 from 12-1pm
Safe Driving: After Hours dates are:
- Thursday, September 8, 2022 from 6-7pm
- Thursday, September 15, 2022 from 6-7pm
- Thursday, September 22, 2022 from 6-7pm
- Thursday, September 29, 2022 from 6-7pm
To join us for the weekly Tuesday Safe Driving Lunch N Learns on Zoom, make sure to RSVP herefor the link!
To join us for the weekly Thursday Safe Driving: After Hours on Zoom, make sure to RSVP here for the link!Lincoln High Staff E-Bike Distribution and Rodeo
On Friday, August 26th ten lucky Lincoln High School staff members received free PEDEGO electric bicycles, Thousand helmets, and Kryptonite U-locks and cable locks as part of the California Air Resource Board’s (CARB) Clean Mobility in Schools pilot project.
The San Diego Unified School District purchased these bikes using the grant’s funding, and will loan them out to individual staff members for about a year at a time. Twenty Lincoln High senior students will also receive e-bikes some time this fall.
Circulate got to coordinate the distribution event and set up a fun rodeo/skills course to get the staff members acclimated to biking in different scenarios before they head off on their adventures!
Keeler Court Coffee and Donuts
Circulate was out at Keeler Court on August 23rd to discuss with residents future programming. Over the course of the next few months, Circulate will host walking field trips, transit field trips, educational presentations and more for the residents of Keeler Court.
We look forward to working with Keeler Court!
Father Joe’s Villages Bike Ride and Pop-Up Event
Earlier in August, Circulate staff joined the Father Joe’s Villages community for a scenic bike ride along the San Diego Harbor and Coronado Island. We even took advantage of the Coronado Ferry’s commuter hours to get a nice boat trip in as well. Deacon John Roberts organizes a weekly program allowing Father Joe’s residents to borrow a bicycle and participate in a 15 to 20 mile group ride—and once a participant has reached 100 miles with the group, they get to keep a free bike and accessories!
After the ride, Circulate tagged along for the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition’s bike maintenance pop-up event in order to start advertising upcoming pedestrian, bicycle, and transit programming we’ll be hosting at Father Joe’s over the next few months.
Stay tuned for many more exciting activities in this area!
Solana Beach Outreach Event and Final School Assessment
Over the past two weeks, Circulate was able to spend a good amount of time up in Solana Beach working on the Safe Routes to School project.
On August 18th, team members set up at Fletcher Cove for the weekly “Concerts at the Cove” event to talk to parents, students, and Solana Beach residents about their concerns regarding walkability and bikeability near schools.Their helpful feedback will be incorporated into the final Safe Routes to School Plan later this year.
One week later, on August 25th, we conducted our final school assessment during the Solana Beach Child Development Center’s morning drop-off period and learned about sidewalk gaps, upcoming traffic calming installations, and speeding issues. We even got to meet the Solana Beach mayor as she passed by on her morning jog!
circulate news
Transit Briefs: SunRail, NY MTA, MTS, NJ Transit, SMART, Railway Age, August 18, 2022
Construction of Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego completed, Construction Review Online, August 24, 2022
Toll Brothers Apartment Living and PGIM Real Estate Announce Joint Venture to Develop 422-Unit Luxury Rental Community in San Diego, Multifamily Biz, August 30, 2022
Cape Coral City Council expected to approve grant for pedestrian, bicycle safety, Fox 4, August 30, 2022
Coalition Letter: Support for AB 1919 - Free Student Transit Passes, August 22, 2022
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Circulator - 08/19/2022
Corporate Member Spotlight: Hayden AI
Last week, Circulate Corporate Member, Hayden AI, announced their partnership with New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to deploy 300 automated bus lane enforcement camera systems on the city’s buses. Their technology is one way to keep bus lanes free from illegally parked vehicles and means that riders will experience faster, smoother, and safer trips. Thank you, Hayden AI, for your continued support of Circulate San Diego and your work to make transit an efficient means to move around.
Check out their press release to learn more about their MTA partnership and Automated Bus Lane Enforcement (ABLE) camera systems.
Reserve your spot for the 2022 Momentum Awards
Let’s Celebrate the people and projects making San Diego great. This year’s Momentum Awards is bigger and better than ever – you don’t want to miss out.
We are excited to head back to the Natural History Museum and recognize the people and projects in the San Diego region that are making it is easier to live, work, and move around. See you on September 14th.
Ground Breaking: Kimball Highland Master Plan!
On Tuesday, August 16th, Circulate had the pleasure of attending the groundbreaking of the new Community HousingWorks (CHW) and San Ysidro Health Center’s Kimball Highland Master Plan in National City.
The new urban village will include 145 housing units with on-site resident services, a new 8,000 square foot senior center, a 44,000 square foot federally qualified health center, and National City’s first ever All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) center! The project prioritizes walkability and connection to transit for ongoing community building and socialization.
We look forward to attending the grand opening next year.
Safe Driving Tuesday Lunch N Learns and Thursday After Hours!
Our new upcoming Safe Driving presentation series will start next week! We will be hosting a presentation on Zoom every Tuesday during lunch time and every Thursday after work hours to have a discussion on driving.
We will be discussing good driving tips, sharing the road with others such as bicyclists, and ways of preventing crashes
Safe Driving Lunch N Learn dates are:
- Tuesday, August 23, 2022 from 12-1pm
- Tuesday, August 30, 2022 from 12-1pm
- Tuesday, September 6, 2022 from 12-1pm
- Tuesday, September 13, 2022 from 12-1pm
- Tuesday, September 20, 2022 from 12-1pm
- Tuesday, September 27 2022 from 12-1pm
Safe Driving: After Hours dates are:
- Thursday, August 25, 2022 from 6-7pm
- Thursday, September 1, 2022 from 6-7pm
- Thursday, September 8, 2022 from 6-7pm
- Thursday, September 15, 2022 from 6-7pm
- Thursday, September 22, 2022 from 6-7pm
- Thursday, September 29, 2022 from 6-7pm
To join us for the weekly Tuesday Safe Driving Lunch N Learns on Zoom
To join us for the weekly Thursday Safe Driving: After Hours on Zoom
Safety Town Recap at the IB Library
This week, the planning team attended Story Time at the Imperial Beach Library to lead a Safety Town demonstration with over 70 participants!
Kids learned about street safety vocabulary and practiced crossing the street safely at a crosswalk. Kids were eager to volunteer and demonstrate different scenarios, such as if their ball rolls into the street or how to walk safely if there is no sidewalk.
We can’t wait to go back!
Thank you Interns!
Our interns, Gianna and Courtney, have finished up their time at Circulate. They provided invaluable research and writing for our efforts on our Fast Bus report, Making the Most of the Mid-Coast Report, CPG Reform, and research on statewide housing issues.
Thank you for time and efforts!
Circulate News
Medical office developer buys prime site next to San Jose train stop, The Mercury News, August 16, 2022
San Diego far behind on goal of building more roundabouts, KPBS, August 10, 2022
Coalition Letter: Support For Bicycle And Bus Lanes On Park Boulevard, August 17, 2022
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Circulator - 08/05/2022
Announcing the 2022 Nominees for the Momentum Awards
This week we were pleased to announce the 2022 nominees for the Circulate San Diego Momentum Awards.
The nominees are available to view online, and award winners will be announced at the Momentum Awards on September 14th.
Circulate San Diego’s Momentum Awards recognize the people and projects in the San Diego region that are creating excellent mobility choices and vibrant, healthy neighborhoods.
When: Wednesday, September 14, 2022, 5:30pm - 8:00pm
Where: San Diego Natural History Museum, 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Purchase a Ticket: https://www.circulatesd.org/awards2022Thank you to this year’s Corporate and Organizational Sponsors – check them out below. There is still time to join them and become a 2022 Sponsor.
NCTD Transit Survey (LAST CHANCE)
Circulate is collaborating with Deloitte and North County Transit District (NCTD) to collect data on how to improve their transit systems (BREEZE, COASTER, FLEX/LIFT, and SPRINTER). The survey was developed to assess travel patterns and use of NCTD services as a way to inform future NCTD services and investment. It is intended for anyone who lives, works, or otherwise visits the North County region. A shorter version of the survey is also available for those who currently do not use transit but could potentially be encouraged to try it.
Be sure to follow us on social media @CirculateSD to keep up with all of our moves!
If you are interested in taking the survey, click here. Your feedback will inform NCTD how to prioritize their funding for future improved service. The LAST day to submit a survey will be this Sunday, August 7th.
In the Field: Mid-Coast Walk Audit
There is no substitute for good field work.
Our planning and policy teams came together last week to conduct a walk audit around the Mid-Coast’s Executive Drive Trolley Station along the new Blue Line Extension. As part of the audit, a group of Circulate staff, board members, and supporters, looked at how folks would access the station on foot or by bike.
We observed new station signage and crosswalks, but also some outdated and missing infrastructure. The entire trip was only 1.5 miles, but we spent a few hours in the field.
Our executive director, Colin Parent, live-tweeted the walk.
We'll be using some of our observations for a report we're planning on "Making the Most of the Mid-Coast." Stay Tuned!
Build Better SD Passes San Diego City Council
The San Diego City Council passed Mayor Todd Gloria’s Build Better SD Initiative, which changes the structure of developer impact fees (DIFs). The program ensures that new DIF funds can be spent in historically disinvested communities, instead of being restricted to the community in which they were collected.
In addition, the initiative implements one of the recommendations of our 2017 report, Transit Oriented Development. As we recommended, the initiative changes the way DIFs are calculated from paying per homes in the project to paying per square foot of a project. This incentivizes the construction of more moderately-sized, moderately priced homes, instead of large luxury penthouses. Circulate made public comment in favor of the initiative at City Council on Monday.
Read our letter of support for Build Better SD here.
Marcus Eugene Wiseman Back to School Event, Saturday 8/6!
Circulate is so excited to be a part of the upcoming inaugural Marcus Eugene Wiseman Footprints on the Moon Back to School Backpack Giveaway event!
Hosted at Fulton Elementary School tomorrow, August 6th, this event will honor Marcus, a young boy killed by an impaired driver in Skyline Hills several years ago. Through a project funded by OTS and the City of San Diego, Circulate will be participating by setting up a bicycle skills course so that students can practice riding safely and build confidence.
We will be giving away a few bikes, thanks to Free Bikes 4 Kidz, so please stop by and check out the event if you’re around Saturday between 9am and 3pm!
Safe Routes to Parks Walk Audit Series Recap
Over the last couple of weeks, the Circulate Planning team lead two Safe Routes to Parks walk audits at Kennedy Neighborhood Park in Lincoln Park and Teralta Park, a freeway cap between Normal Heights and City Heights.
These parks were selected from a crash analysis that showed high incidences resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. The team assessed the street corridors around and near the parks for pedestrian and bicyclist safety and comfort.
For next steps, Circulate will prepare fact sheets about the walk audit findings and recommendations for safer streets. Stay tuned!
Circulate News
- UCSD students fight for a voice in University City zoning debate, KPBS, July 28, 2022
- Family of man who was killed while riding an electric scooter on Pershing Drive sues San Diego. CBS8, July 29, 2022
- UC San Diego projects nominated for Circulate San Diego awards, La Jolla Light, August 2, 2022
- Letter: Support for Build Better SD, July 28, 2022
- Letter: Support for AB 2147 - The Freedom to Walk Act, August 2, 2022
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Davida Garcia published Letter: Support for AB 2147 - The Freedom to Walk Act in Policy Letters 2022-08-02 12:10:39 -0700
Letter: Support for AB 2147 - The Freedom to Walk Act
Circulate submitted a letter of support to the Senate Appropriations Committee for the Freedom Walk Act. Click here to read full letter!
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Circulator - 07/22/2022
Read more- Become a Momentum Awards Sponsor
- Vote to Amend the Bike Coalition’s Bylaws!
- Safe Routes to Parks Walk Audit Series
- Circulate Advocates for Local Involvement in SANDAG Vision Zero
- Circulate Board Retreat Recap
- Home Run for Homes Featured in Union Tribune Opinion Section
- NCTD Transit Survey
- Pacific Beach Middle School Walking Field Trip Recap
- Membership Mixer Recap
- Circulate News
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Circulator - 06/10/2022
1. Intro Spotlights: Gianna Ceccarelli & Courtney Brown
2. Help Circulate Plan for the Future
3. Join us at the Juneteenth Festival!
4. SAVE THE DATE – Circulate’s Summer Membership Mixer
5. Just 22 Days Left to Nominate!
6. Walk Audit with Euclid ES Student Council Recap
7. Circulate Featured in SPUR Webinar
8. Home Run for Homes on Infill Podcast
Read more
