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 - 10/09/2026
- Join Us for the First-Ever Momentum Awards After Party
- Circulate Celebrates MTS Transforming Empty Parking Lots into Affordable Homes
- Recap: 2026 SCAG Go Human Events
- Circulate Presents at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference
- Housing Policy is Climate Policy Panel
- City Council Designates October as National Pedestrian Safety Month
- Circulate News
Join Us for the First-Ever Momentum Awards After Party
We’re adding something new to this year’s Momentum Awards: an After Party on the rooftop at NOVA SD!
After we celebrate this year’s Momentum Award winners, join us from 9–11 PM to keep the party going. Presented by Waymo, the After Party will feature an open bar, late-night bites, music, rooftop views, and a special swag bag.
Already have your Momentum Awards ticket? You’re in! All ticket holders and guests attending through a Circulate corporate membership are automatically on the list. No additional RSVP is needed.
Not attending yet? Grab your ticket and join us for the full evening, from celebrating San Diego’s leaders in safe streets, public transit, and sustainable growth to raising a glass together on the rooftop.
Plus, the first 10 people to purchase a Momentum Awards ticket will receive an invite code for immediate access to Waymo rides.
Friday, October 23 | NOVA SD
Open bar. Late-night bites. Rooftop. Enough said.
Circulate Celebrates MTS Transforming Empty Parking Lots into Affordable Homes
Recently, our CEO and General Counsel Colin Parent attended the groundbreaking of Spring View, a new 100% affordable apartment complex at the Spring Street Transit Station in La Mesa.
The project is being built by Affirmed Housing, one of the many affordable housing developers that are Corporate Members of Circulate.
The project is downstream of a major report and campaign launched by Circulate Planning & Policy in 2018. We began that effort by publishing “Real Opportunity,” which detailed how MTS can make better use of its real estate portfolio. After dozens of press interviews, several press conferences, and direct advocacy, we were able to secure a policy change at MTS to allow them to transform their empty parking lots into affordable homes.
The 147 units planned for Spring View join the thousands of projects built, under construction, or in the pipeline on MTS properties.Recap: 2026 SCAG Go Human Events
As part of our 2026 SCAG Go Human grant, Circulate had the opportunity to partner with three incredible SCAG partners: Alianza Coachella Valley, Bike Ventura County, and Los Amigos de la Comunidad.
Through these partnerships, Circulate provided event support including educational materials, engagement boards, and safety resources. We also traveled to Riverside, Imperial, and Ventura to provide hands-on support at each partner’s event.
From distributing bike and pedestrian safety items and facilitating interactive engagement activities to connecting with community members and hearing directly about their experiences, it was a great opportunity to support local organizations and engage with communities across Southern California.
We’re grateful to Alianza Coachella Valley, Bike Ventura County, and Los Amigos de la Comunidad for welcoming us into their communities and for the important work they continue to do to promote safer, more accessible multi-modal options.
Circulate Presents at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference
The American Academy of Pediatrics hosted their National Conference & Exhibition in San Diego on October 2 – 6, and Circulate was invited to present on a panel about our Vision Zero work!
The Council on Injury, Violence, and Poison Prevention (COIVPP) program entitled “From Pavement to Policy: Addressing Pediatric Street Injuries” featured our Director of Planning & Community Engagement Carlisle Dockery, alongside Drexel University’s Dr. Alex Quistberg and Rady Children’s Dr. Romeo Ignacio. Carlisle was able to speak about the importance of framing traffic safety as a public health crisis, and the value of prioritizing infrastructure improvements as a pathway to ending all traffic deaths.
Also! If anyone knows where the bike parking at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina hotel is, please let us know. Carlisle could not find it 😇
Housing Policy is Climate Policy Panel
Circulate’s Policy Manager, Aria Grossman, participated in a panel to discuss why housing policy is important to achieving our climate goals. The panel, hosted by California YIMBY, was part of San Diego Climate Week, city-wide event dedicated to climate progress.
Aria joined a panel of policy professionals to discuss the intersection of housing, transit, and climate policy. It’s impossible to meet our climate goals without thinking about how and where we build homes!
City Council Designates October as National Pedestrian Safety Month
Last week, Councilmember Whitburn and Council President LaCava introduced a resolution designating October as National Pedestrian Safety Month. Circulate Board Chair Melanie Cohn accepted the proclamation on behalf of Circulate and the Vision Zero Coalition.
Circulate thanks the City Council for recognizing the importance of pedestrian safety. After all, at some point in the day, we are all pedestrians!
Right outside of City Hall, Circulate kicked off Pedestrian Safety Month and Clean Air Day with a safety pop up, complete with a traffic calming course and free ice cream!
Join Us for an Evening with Black Public Joy Author Jay Pitter
Circulate Planning & Policy is excited to partner with UC San Diego for an intimate evening with award-winning public space practitioner, researcher, and authorJay Pitter, celebrating the release of her latest book,Black Public Joy.
Black Public Joy explores the histories, traditions, and contemporary expressions of Black joy in public spaces. Through stories of community, culture, and design, Pitter shifts the conversation from harm toward collective flourishing, highlighting the importance of public spaces where everyone can experience joy, dignity, and belonging.
The book has already received national recognition, including a feature on theForbes Summer Reading List and a spot on the 2026 Toronto Book Awards longlist.Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | 5–7 PM
UC San Diego Bookstore
Don't miss this opportunity to explore how public spaces can foster connection, belonging, and joy in our communities.Circulate News
San Diego MTS Breaks Ground on Spring View Affordable Housing, Passenger Transport, September 28, 2026
San Diego MTS and Affirmed Housing Strengthen Partnership with Spring View Groundbreaking, GlobeNewsWire, September 28, 2026
This city set a goal to end traffic deaths by 2050. Is it working?, Ak News Source, October 2, 2026
Carmel Valley Crosswalk Crash Leaves 68-Year-Old Woman Critically Hurt, Hoodline, October 2, 2026
Governor Newsom Signs the Affordable Homeownership Bonus Law, Circulate’s sponsored legislation to Build More Affordable Homes, September 29, 2026
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Circulator - 09/25/2026
- Big news: This year’s Walk the Walk honorees are revealed!
- Celebrate National Pedestrian Safety Month & Clean Air Day with us!
- PRONTO Low-Income Fare Eligible (LIFE) Program
- Circulate CEO on NBC 7 to Promote Safe Street Projects.
- Circulate Pushes SANDAG to Advance the Airport Transit Connection Project
- Circulate Supports Prop 45
- Circulate’s Policy Committee Member Tanner “The Planner” Blackman Profiled in CalMatters
- Circulate News
Big news: This year’s Walk the Walk honorees are revealed!
I’m excited to share that this year’s Momentum Awards will honor HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez, MTS CEO Sharon Cooney, and Councilmember Stephen Whitburn. All will receive Circulate’s Walk the Walk Award for their leadership in making California and the San Diego region safer, more sustainable, and more connected.
In addition to these honorees, the Momentum Awards will also celebrate the region’s leadership through our juried awards. View the full list of nominees online — and join us to find out who takes home this year’s top honors!
Event Details
Friday, October 23rd
NovaSD, Gaslamp Downtown San DiegoBecome a Sponsor
Do you want everyone to know you support more homes, safer streets, and better transit? Sponsors enjoy:
- Tickets for your team
- On-stage and evening-long recognition
- Visibility to more than 10,000+ newsletter subscribers
Your sponsorship helps us keep the momentum going for a safer, more connected region.
Celebrate National Pedestrian Safety Month & Clean Air Day with us!
Join us on September 29th at the Civic Center Plaza (1200 Third Ave, San Diego, CA 92101) to celebrate and kick off Clean Air Day and National Pedestrian Safety Month!
Circulate will be at the plaza from 11 AM to 1 PM showcasing a temporary parklet, our remote-controlled Traffic Calming Course, and distributing free safety items such as reflective slap bracelets and bike lights. We will also be providing FREE ice cream to the first 90 people that visit us!
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. Take the pledge HERE.
PRONTO Low-Income Fare Eligible (LIFE) Program
The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) recently announced the launch of the PRONTO Low-Income Fare Eligible (LIFE) Program, a new reduced-fare designed to help keep public transportation affordable for eligible riders across San Diego County.
The program will provide discounted transit fares to individuals enrolled in CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or CalWORKs who are not already participating in another reduced-fare transit program with MTS or North County Transit – San Diego Railroad (NCTD).
The transit agencies estimate there are approximately 34,000 eligible transit pass holders who may qualify for PRONTO LIFE. Applications are now open, and approved participants will begin receiving discounted fares when regional fare adjustments take effect on Oct. 1.
Circulate CEO on NBC 7 to Promote Safe Street Projects.
Earlier this week, Circulate CEO and General Counsel Colin Parent appeared on NBC 7 to promote safe street projects being undertaken by SANDAG.
“They're important infrastructure projects that're going to make streets safer for everyone, including bicyclists but also for motorists and pedestrians as well,” Parent said.
Parent acknowledged that San Diego remains heavily oriented around driving, but said changing that requires investing in alternatives.
“It's true. This is a car-oriented community but the way that we change that is to change it.”
Circulate Pushes SANDAG to Advance the Airport Transit Connection Project
Last week, Circulate sent a letter to members of the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Transportation Committee urging action on the Airport Transit Connection (ATC) project.
Circulate has advocated for a rail connection to San Diego International Airport since 2018. We were glad to see our advocacy for a rail connection to downtown San Diego reflected in the final five concepts.
Residents have been asking for improved transit to the airport for years. An airport rail connection repeatedly polls as voter’s top priority transit capital project, with 70 percent support. With a fiscal cliff around the corner, a sales tax ballot measure may be the only way to avoid dramatic MTS service cuts. If our transportation agencies are going to ask voters to pay for transit, they must be ready to deliver the projects that voters want. Voters want to be able to take transit to the airport. SANDAG should continue to prioritize moving this project forward so it can be prepared to deliver it.
Circulate Supports Prop 45
Circulate is a proud member of the coalition supporting Prop 45, a November 2026 statewide ballot measure that will modernize California’s project approval process to help build more housing and other essential projects faster and more affordably.
Today, unnecessary delays drive up housing costs and worsen California’s affordability crisis. Permitting and approval delays add as much as $75,000 to the cost of a new home. These costs are ultimately passed on to renters and homebuyers. Prop 45 maintains our foundational environmental protection laws, but creates a faster, more predictable, and more accountable approval process by establishing clear timelines, improving accountability, and reducing unnecessary delays.
Circulate’s Policy Committee Member Tanner “The Planner” Blackman Profiled in CalMatters
CalMatters recently profiled Tanner Blackman, a land use consultant based in San Diego.
Tanner is a familiar face with the Circulate Planning & Policy crowd, and is a longstanding member of our Policy Committee. As a member of that Committee, Tanner serves as a volunteer advisory to Circulate staff about our policy positions and advocacy efforts.
As the CalMatters piece explains:
“Tanner ‘The Planner’ Blackman does not swing hammers or lay foundations. He does not raise funds or finesse land deals. He does not draft blueprints, write contracts, test soil conditions or calculate the varied seismic loads that a new building can sustain.
Blackman’s job is a mostly under the radar, but often indispensable, fixture of California’s urban housing market: He helps people get their building projects approved.”Circulate News
Arcadia Greenlights 130-Unit Condo Tower as Metro-Area Housing Boom Hits 1,000 Units, Hoodline, September 12, 2026
El Paso traffic deaths drop 36% since 2023, outpacing national decline, city says, KFox 14, September 14, 2026
Demand a Traffic Violence State of Emergency, stop LA’s nonexistent “war on cars,” and lefties want to kill your palm trees, Biking in LA, September 15, 2026
Op-ed: Federal austerity is funding what kills us, Planetizen, September 15, 2026
Governor Newsom signs legislation 9.14.2026, Governor Gavin Newsom, September 14, 2026
Legislative Update: What Bills that Streetsblog Is Tracking Are Signed by the Governor?, Streetsblog, September 15, 2026
News Nuggets: La Jolla Cove Swim, Garden Club, El Nino preparations, more, The San Diego Union Tribune, September 17, 2026
TOD - The driving force behind the spatial and economic restructuring of Ho Chi Minh City., Vietnam.VN, September 21, 2026
More high-rises could be coming to 7 California cities under housing density bill, SmartCities Dive, September 22, 2026
New density bill would require 7 California cities to establish regional transit hubs, Planetizen, September 23, 2026
PRESS RELEASE - Nominees Announced for Circulate Planning & Policy’s 2026 Momentum Awards, September 10, 2026
PRESS RELEASE: Midway Rising Specific Plan Earns Circulate Mobility Plan Certification, Setting the Stage for a Walkable New Village Anchored by Affordable Homes, September 14, 2026
Policy Letter: Opposition to Restrictions on Autonomous Vehicles, September 15, 2026
Policy Letter: Support for Airport Transit Connection, September 17, 2026
PRESS RELEASE - Circulate Planning & Policy to Honor HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez, MTS CEO Sharon Cooney, and Councilmember Stephen Whitburn with 2026 Walk the Walk Award, September 23, 2026
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Circulator - 09/11/2026
- Highlights from Our Fall Membership Mixer
- Congratulations to the 2026 Momentum Awards Nominees
- Animals on the Bay Day at Living Coast Discovery Center
- Park(ing) Day Celebration!
- Circulate’s Imperial Beach Activities
- Watch our video to learn how to get to Snapdragon Stadium
- AB 2433 awaits Governor Newsom’s Signature
- Streetsblog San Diego has launched!
- Circulate news
Highlights from Our Fall Membership Mixer
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Fall Membership Mixer! It was a wonderful evening of connecting with members, partners, and supporters.
We're grateful to Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe and MTS Ceo Sharon Cooney for joining us and sharing remarks on housing, transit, and the future of our region.
We're also grateful to our corporate sponsors and individual members whose support makes this work possible. Together, we're helping build a more connected, accessible, and livable San Diego.
Don't miss the photos! Browse our event gallery to revisit the evening's conversations, networking, and memorable moments.
Congratulations to the 2026 Momentum Awards Nominees
We’re excited to announce this year’s nominees for Circulate’s Momentum Awards: Club Circulate! Winners will be revealed at the Momentum Awards on October 23, 2026.
The Momentum Awards celebrate the people and projects creating excellent mobility choices and vibrant, healthy neighborhoods. For more than 27 years, Circulate 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.
Animals on the Bay Day at Living Coast Discovery Center
Animals on the Bay Day is a reduced admission day full of education & conservation at the Living Coast featuring animal encounters, partner organizations, a craft market, food trucks, and more!
On September 19th, from 10 AM to 4 PM, the Living Coast will be packed with fun. Throughout the day, you can learn and interact with Living Coast Animal Ambassadors, meet other partner organizations, and enjoy some bites from local food trucks.
Circulate will be in attendance sharing bicycle and pedestrian safety information. Stop by our booth to get some safety items and try out our traffic calming RC course!
Park(ing) Day Celebration!
Circulate will celebrate this year’s Park(ing) Day with Dame Más Cafeina by installing a pop-up parklet at 265 3rd Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910.
Join us on Friday, September 18th from 8 AM to 11 AM for this global event that transforms curbside parking spaces into temporary public parks, or parklets, inviting communities to reimagine their streets as vibrant, pedestrian-friendly spaces.
We hope to see you there! Register here!
Circulate’s Imperial Beach Activities
Circulate has been partnering with the City of Imperial Beach on a pedestrian and bicycle safety program.
Over the past month, that work has included community events to promote safety and distribute helmets, two Daylighting-focused demonstrations featuring a temporary parklet and a temporary curb extension, the installation of safety messaging decals along popular bike and pedestrian paths, and the installation of wayfinding signage on major streets throughout the City, including Palm Avenue, Imperial Beach Boulevard, and Seacoast Drive.
We are thankful to be able to conduct this work with the City of Imperial Beach! Stay tuned to our calendar over the coming months for more events!
Watch our video to learn how to get to Snapdragon Stadium
Heading to Snapdragon Stadium? Skip the traffic and take the San Diego River Trail!
This video guides you through all the twists and turns of the San Diego River Trail to Snapdragon Stadium. Biking is a great way to make your trip more active, avoid traffic, and enjoy the ride along the way. Save this video for your next event at Snapdragon and consider swapping the car for a bike!
AB 2433 awaits Governor Newsom’s Signature
BIG NEWS – Circulate's sponsored bill to modernize Bonus Law unanimously passed the Senate and Assembly. The Affordable Homeownership Bonus Law (AB 2433, Alvarez) now heads to Governor Newsom's desk for signature.
The bill modernizes California Density Bonus Law, which is already the most used housing streamlining program in California. In the four years following AB 2345, Circulate's first sponsored Bonus Law reform, the law was used to approve over 140,000 homes. This is more than ten times the production of all other tracked streamlining laws combined.
The bill now awaits Governor Newsom's signature. And we need your help getting is across the finish line!Click the button below to send a letter to the Governor urging him to sign the Affordable Homeownership Bonus Law to make it easier to build more affordable homes more quickly! Organizations can download the letter template below to send a letter to the Governor's legislative unit.
Streetsblog San Diego has launched!
Streetsblog San Diego is a new website for news and views about transportation, planning, open space, and housing in San Diego.
SBSD is published by the same people that produce other Streetsblogs in California, but will feature the work of local writers and advocates…many names and faces that you will recognize.
You can join them for a happy hour next Thursday, September 17, from 6 - 8 pm at Seek Beer Company, 3052 El Cajon Blvd Ste.
Circulate news
California Cities Are Evading State Mandates To Build More Housing, Lawsuits, Yahoo News, August 26, 2026
City Heights Breaks Ground on Bike Lanes as Deadly Streets Push for Fixes, Hoodline, August 28, 2026.
CA cities hit with SB 79 lawsuits after allegedly dragging feet on transit-oriented development, The Real Deal, August 28, 2026
Three California cities sued over transit housing law defiance, MPA, August 28, 2026
A necessary evil? MTS’ park-and-ride plans highlight potential, and shortcomings, of San Diego public transit, The San Diego Union Tribune, August 31, 2026
The Housing that Comes with a Bonus: More Housing, California YIMBY, September 1, 2026
Pedestrian Dies After Branham Lane Crash, San Jose's 31st Traffic Death of 2026, Hoodline, September 1, 2026
California Passes AB 2074, Setting Height and Density Rules Near Transit Hubs, Vanguard News Group, September 2, 2026
BRP Starts $178M NYC-Area Transit-Oriented Project, Multi-Housing News, September 3, 2026
Is San Diego on the right track with its Mid-City plan?, The San Diego Union Tribune, September 4, 2026
Second San Jose Bicyclist Killed in 24 Hours, This Time on Trimble Road, Hoodline, September 4, 2026
Multi-Car Crash On Harbor Drive Sends Three To Hospital, Hoodline, September 10, 2026
Policy Letter: Senate Proposal to Protect Funding for Tier 3 Programs and SB 125, September 1, 2026
Policy Letter: Vision Zero Coalition Writes in Support of Encinitas Red-Light Camera Proposal, September 4, 2026
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Davida Garcia published Policy Letter: Senate Proposal to Protect Funding for Tier 3 Programs and SB 125 in Policy Letters 2026-09-01 12:19:59 -0700
Policy Letter: Senate Proposal to Protect Funding for Tier 3 Programs and SB 125
Senate Proposal to Protect Funding for Tier 3 Programs and SB 125
Circulate writes in support and urges a final and comprehensive budget agreement that must include funding for the affordable housing component of the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) program. We thank Senate President pro Tem Limón, Senator Laird, and Senator Reyes for releasing this proposal, which responds to the calls of Californians from across the state, and for standing up to protect the state’s climate investments in the Tier 3 programs and the state’s ongoing commitment to transit via SB 125.
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Circulator - 08/28/2026
- Save the Date: Fall Membership Mixer
- Save the Date: The 2026 Momentum Awards at Club Circulate
- Join us for our upcoming events!
- Ocean Beach Elementary School Bike Bus Recap!
- Circulate Joins Assemblymember Alvarez at Press Event for AB 2433
- Circulate Sponsors Council of Infill Builders Summit in Los Angeles
- Member Exclusive – Vote to name Colin’s new Bike!
- Circulate News
Save the Date: Fall Membership Mixer
Join Circulate Planning & Policy for our Fall Membership Mixer on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
We’re excited to welcome Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe as our special guest!
Connect with Circulate staff, local decision-makers, and professionals in the land use, housing, and transportation fields. Enjoy complimentary drinks, appetizers, and an evening that brings together the people shaping a safer, more sustainable, and more connected San Diego.
Save the Date: The 2026 Momentum Awards at Club Circulate
Join Circulate Planning & Policy as we celebrate the changemakers building a better San Diego region: the leaders, projects, and organizations pushing housing, transit, and safe streets forward. This year's awards feature an expanded lineup of categories spotlighting everything from transit-oriented development to housing innovation to public sector champions.
Expect great company, big celebration energy, and a night honoring the people making real change happen.
*Club Circulate*
When: October 23, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Where: NovaSD, 454 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101Want to sponsor, grab tickets, or nominate a standout project? Don't wait, spots go fast.
Join us for our upcoming events!
Continue to enjoy your summer by planting, celebrating, and rolling with Circulate!
If you enjoy planting, join us today to temporarily install planter curb extensions in Imperial Beach from 3 - 5:30 pm
If you are attending SDFC’s soccer game against LA Galaxy make sure to stop by our table during Fanfest on the East Lawn to learn more about bike parking at Snapdragon. We will be at Fan Fest from 4:30-6:30 pm with biking accessories at no cost for participants.
If you like to explore San Diego, join us for a bike ride from SDSU to Grant Park for a picnic! It is a 5 mile Bike Ride with great views of the San Diego River Trail. Make sure to bring your own helmet, water, and your own picnic snack.
We would love for you to join us at any (or all!) of these events. Please check out our online calendar to RSVP and for more details about all of our upcoming activities.
Ocean Beach Elementary School Bike Bus Recap!
Last Friday, Circulate had the pleasure of joining Ocean Beach Elementary for their Back to School Bike Bus! Before the ride, we went over helmet fitting, turn signals, and the rules of the road while biking with families and students.
The Bike Bus began rolling out at 7:15 AM, with about 80 participants traveling down Santa Monica Avenue to get to school.
We’re grateful to students, parents, and school staff who helped make the event safe, fun, and memorable as well as our partners the City of San Diego, Office of Traffic Safety, and SANDAG for helping make the Bike Bus a success!
Circulate Joins Assemblymember Alvarez at Press Event for AB 2433
Last week, Circulate CEO and General Counsel Colin Parent joined Assemblymember Alvarez, Senator Arreguin, and housing advocates at a press event in Sacramento in support of AB 2433, the Affordable Homeownership Bonus Law.
Circulate is proud to be the lead sponsor of this legislation to further reform Bonus Law, which is already the largest driver of new approvals in California. The speakers highlighted the importance of California Bonus Law, it’s role in housing starts, and how AB 2433 will make the program more useful for affordable homeownership.
Circulate Sponsors Council of Infill Builders Summit in Los Angeles
Last week, Circulate sponsored the Council of Infill Builders annual summit in Los Angles.
Mayor Todd Gloria was recognized and served as the event’s lunch keynote.
Our CEO Colin Parent spoke on a panel regarding housing legislation. The moderator included a variety of slides from our report “Win-Win Bonus,” which documents the high usage of Bonus Law since reforms were sponsored by Circulate in 2020 and 2023.In particular, the panel discussed relative use of ADU law and Bonus Law, compared with higher profile laws like SB 35 and AB 2011. Some on the panel argued that those laws were important because they allowed for new homes in areas that are especially difficult to receive approvals, and have significant climate and equity benefits.
While Colin agreed with that, he encouraged the room to consider large unit production to be our north star. We currently pay disproportionate attention to flashy large and controversial projects, while paying less attention to the thousands of smaller projects that are modestly larger because of Bonus Law, driving overall production.
Member Exclusive – Vote to name Colin’s new Bike!
Circulate's CEO and General Counsel Colin Parent just bought a fancy new (second-hand) bicycle. We’re inviting the Circulate members to vote on its new name.
Circulate members nominated a variety of names. We have a curated list and are inviting members to vote for their favorite.
The bike is a matte-black Giant Revolt Advanced 0, with a carbon-fiber frame. The new bike joins Colin’s old steel Marin commuter bike. He purchased that 15 years ago as his only mode of transportation while living in Sacramento working in the Jerry Brown Administration. This new one is just for fun.
Circulate NewS
Otay Mesa Cyclist, 59, Killed by Turning Big Rig as Blame Debate Erupts, Hoodline, August 14, 2026
North Park Lands Sixth CEDARst Project as $80M Loan Fuels 197-Unit Tower, Hoodline, August 15, 2026
San Diego sued for misinterpreting state housing law that allows for projects near transit, Times of San Diego, August 18, 2026
Hudson County Launches 18-Month JFK Boulevard Overhaul, Hoodline, August 18, 2026
3 California cities sued over alleged violations of state housing rules, SmartCities Dive, August 21, 2026‘
Missing middle’ housing in La Mesa, Times of San Diego, August 20, 2026
PRESS RELEASE: Ascencia Apartments Earns Circulate Streamlined Mobility Certification, August 12, 2026
Policy Letter: Circulate Joins Statewide Coalition Advocating for Housing and Transit Funding, August 13, 2026
Policy Letter: Circulate Supports the Midway Rising Housing and Community Revitalization Act, August 20, 2026
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Davida Garcia published Join Circulate's Fall Membership Mixer with Supervisor Montgomery Steppe! in Blog Posts 2026-08-19 13:14:35 -0700
Join Circulate's Fall Membership Mixer with Supervisor Montgomery Steppe!
Join Circulate's fall membership mixer with supervisor monica montgomery steppe!
Thank you for your support of Circulate Planning & Policy. I'm excited to invite you to our Fall Membership Mixer.
Join us for an evening of connection with fellow members, local leaders, and professionals working on housing, transit, and land use throughout the region.
Event Details:
When: Thursday, September 10th, 2026 — 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Where: Fruitcraft – 1477 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
What to expect:- Lively evening of networking, complimentary beverages, and great conversation.
- Mingle with Circulate members, staff, influential local decision-makers, and top professionals in land use and transportation
- Special remarks from Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe
BIKE & TRANSIT FRIENDLY! Fruitcraft sits in the heart of Hillcrest — one of San Diego's most walkable, bike-friendly neighborhoods — and is served by multiple MTS bus routes.
See you there!
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Circulator - 08/14/2026
- Save the Date: Fall Membership Mixer!
- Back to School Safety!
- Get Some Steps In at Our BeautifulPB Pedestrian Audit
- La Mesa’s Scooter & Bike Rodeo at Movies in the Park
- Bike the Bay YOUR Way on Sunday, 8/23!
- Join us for a neighborhood ride!
- Tonight! SD APBP Project Share/Happy Hour
- Circulate Joins Coalition to Save Housing and Transit Funding
- Community Town Hall with Congresswoman Sara Jacobs
- Member Exclusive – Choose the Name for Colin’s New Bicycle!
- Circulate News
Save the Date: Fall Membership Mixer!
Join Circulate Planning & Policy for our Fall Membership Mixer on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
We’re excited to welcome Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe as our special guest!
Connect with Circulate staff, local decision-makers, and professionals in the land use, housing, and transportation fields. Enjoy complimentary drinks, appetizers, and an evening that brings together the people shaping a safer, more sustainable, and more connected San Diego.
Back to School Safety!
On Monday, August 10, 2026, the City of San Diego started another busy school year. As families transition back to taking their kids to school, let’s remember to look out for them along the way.
Children travel in many ways to get to school, whether walking or rolling on bikes, scooters, skateboards, and more. For some, this may be their first time learning how to travel independently. We at Circulate want to remind everyone during their daily commute to look out for children walking and cycling and help make their trip to school a safe one.
As part of the Comprehensive Speed Management Plan, the City of San Diego is prioritizing lower speed limits and installing new signage this year, starting with school zone corridors in Lincoln Park and Valencia Park! These new signs lower the speed limit to 15 mph.
Get Some Steps In at Our BeautifulPB Pedestrian Audit
Join us on Saturday, August 15, at 10:00 a.m. for a 1.5-mile Pedestrian Audit in Pacific Beach!
In partnership with Beautiful PB, we'll explore the PB Pathways network, observe conditions along the busy La Jolla Boulevard and Mission Boulevard corridors, and discuss opportunities to improve pedestrian safety, bike safety, and accessibility in the area.
We'll kick things off by meeting at Boards N' Beans before heading out for the audit.
Help shape a safer, more walkable Pacific Beach!
La Mesa’s Scooter & Bike Rodeo at Movies in the Park
Get ready for a fun night of wheels, safety, and family fun! Join Circulate at La Mesita Park on Friday, August 21 for a Scooter & Bike Rodeo during La Mesa’s Movies in the Park.
Kids can bring their bikes or scooters and put their skills to the test on our fun obstacle course while learning important tips for riding safely. We’ll also have helmets and other safety incentives available for participants!
After the rodeo, stick around for a family-friendly showing of Encanto, starting at 7:45 p.m.
Come ride, learn, play, and enjoy a movie with your community! We can’t wait to see you there!
Bike the Bay YOUR Way on Sunday, 8/23!
For one day a year, the Coronado Bridge belongs to cyclists. Bike the Bay returns on Sunday, August 23rd, with waves from 6:30 - 8 am, starting and finishing at Embarcadero Marina Park South, and 2026 brings something new: three route options for riders of every level.
- Choose the bridge-only crossing for a quick, memorable 5-mile adventure.
- Take on the classic 25-mile loop around San Diego Bay, passing through San Diego, Coronado, Imperial Beach, Chula Vista, and National City.
- Or go big with the new 50-mile endurance route with two opportunities for epic views from the bridge.
This community ride is non-competitive and mostly flat, open to all ages and abilities. “Go slow and say hello!”
Afterward, celebrate at the post-ride festival with food, drinks, a beer garden, and live entertainment.
Registration for the 19th Annual Bike the Bay is open now at bikethebay.net. All wheels welcome!
Join us for a neighborhood ride!
On Sunday, August 30th, Circulate and the San Diego River Park Foundation are teaming up for a scenic community bike ride!
The ride begins at SDSU and connects riders to Grant Park using a mix of neighborhood streets, bike lanes, and the scenic San Diego River Trail. The ride showcases how connected bike infrastructure links SDSU with Mission Valley and surrounding communities. The 5-mile, one-way ride ends at Grant Park for a picnic, making it a great option for riders looking to explore the river corridor while enjoying time with community members.
Whether you're looking to explore the river corridor, discover new bike routes, or enjoy a fun ride with others, this is a great opportunity to experience one of San Diego's growing active transportation networks. Free incentives will be given out!
What to bring: bike, helmet, water, and your choice of food for the picnic.
Tonight! SD APBP Project Share/Happy Hour
San Diego’s chapter of the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) is hosting the latest edition of their popular Project Share happy hours in East Village tonight (8/14)!
Join the group from 5:30pm – 8:00pm at Studio 710 (710 13th Street, #300, San Diego, CA 92101) to hang out and learn about what some of the SD APBP members have been up to. No need to be a member to attend – just be excited to learn about some local bicycle, pedestrian, and transit projects.
More information is available on the SDAPBP Instagram page.
Circulate Joins Coalition to Save Housing and Transit Funding
Despite advocacy by Circulate and partners, recent actions by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) threaten state funding for critical housing and transit grant programs like the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) program and the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP). The State’s budget deal unfortunately did not address this funding gap.
Circulate joined a broader coalition of housing, transit, and environmental organizations to urge legislative leadership to step in and use general fund money to maintain these programs. Without action by the legislature, California will lose out on billions in funding to help achieve our housing and climate goals.
Community Town Hall with Congresswoman Sara Jacobs
Join the San Diego Housing Federation and the Office of Congresswoman Sara Jacobs for a Community Town Hall focused on San Diego’s cost of living and what we can do together to address it.
Hear federal updates directly from Congresswoman Jacobs, learn more about the connection between housing and the cost of living, and share your experiences, questions, and ideas.
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
5:00–7:30 p.m.
San DiegoLocation will be shared with registered guests 48 hours before the event.
Member Exclusive – Choose the Name for Colin’s New Bicycle!
Circulate's CEO and General Counsel Colin Parent just bought a fancy new (second-hand) bicycle. We’re inviting the Circulate members to vote on its new name.
Voting will occur in two rounds. Round one includes nominations. Once nominations are in, we’ll invite members to cast a vote from a curated list of options.
The winner will receive a shout-out on social media, in our 10,000+ person newsletter, plus never-ending glory.
The bike is a matte-black Giant Revolt Advanced 0, with a carbon-fiber frame. The new bike joins Colin’s old steel Marin commuter bike. He purchased that 15 years ago as his only mode of transportation while living in Sacramento working in the Jerry Brown Administration. This new one is just for fun.
Circulate News
What Transit-Oriented Development Means for the Future of Public Transportation, Metro, August 1, 2026
SB 79, One Month In: Taking Stock of California YIMBY’s Signature Bill, California YIMBY, August 4, 2026
City Council Disregarded Its Own Traffic Safety Policies for Downtown Gas Station, Voice of San Diego, August 5, 2026
San Diego’s Bike Ridership Is Evolving, Not Declining. Here’s What SANDAG’s 2025 Commute Report Really Tells Us, Streetsblog Cal, August 5, 2026
Inglewood's Old Car Wash Site Becomes 222-Unit Complex Near K Line, Hoodline, August 7, 2026
Encinitas father continues to fight for safer roads after daughter's death, NBC 7, August 10, 2026
Why Circulate Planning & Policy Supports Prop 45, August 3, 2026
PRESS RELEASE: Ascencia Apartments Earns Circulate Streamlined Mobility Certification, August 12, 2026
Policy Letter: Circulate Joins Statewide Coalition Advocating for Housing and Transit Funding, August 13, 2026
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Circulator - 07/31/2026
- Save The Date for Our Upcoming Imperial Beach Events!
- Join us for a neighborhood ride!
- Get Some Steps In at Our BeautifulPB Pedestrian Audit
- Farewell: Tania Ramirez
- Farewell: Vince Young
- Community Action Partnership (CAP) Needs Assessment Meeting & Survey
- Nominations Close Today for the 2026 Momentum Awards
- Circulate News
Save The Date for Our Upcoming Imperial Beach Events!
Join us next week as we host a booth at the City of Imperial Beach’s National Night Out event on Tuesday, August 4th and at the Music in the Park event on Friday, August 7th!
Both of these events will be held at Veterans Park (1075 8th St, Imperial Beach, CA 91932). The National Night Out event hours are: 4:30pm – 6:30pm. The Music in the Park event hours are 5:30pm-7:00pm. We will be onsite distributing free bicycle and pedestrian safety materials, including helmets! The City of Imperial Beach will also be raffling off some brand new bicycles!
For more information on Imperial Beach’s National Night Out event, click HERE.
For more information on Imperial Beach’s Music in the Park event, click HERE.
Join us for a neighborhood ride!
Circulate and the San Diego River Park Foundation are teaming up for a scenic community bike ride!
The ride begins at SDSU and connects riders to Grant Park using a mix of neighborhood streets, bike lanes, and the scenic San Diego River Trail. The ride showcases how connected bike infrastructure links SDSU with Mission Valley and surrounding communities. The 5-mile, one-way ride ends at Grant Park, making it a great option for riders looking to explore the river corridor while enjoying a safe and scenic trip.
Whether you're looking to explore the river corridor, discover new bike routes, or enjoy a fun ride with others, this is a great opportunity to experience one of San Diego's growing active transportation networks. Free incentives will be given out!
What to bring: bike or scooter, helmet, and water
Get Some Steps In at Our BeautifulPB Pedestrian Audit
Join us on Saturday, August 15, at 10:00 a.m. for a 1.5-mile Pedestrian Audit in Pacific Beach!
In partnership with Beautiful PB, we'll explore the PB Pathways network, observe conditions along the busy La Jolla Boulevard and Mission Boulevard corridors, and discuss opportunities to improve pedestrian safety, bike safety, and accessibility in the area.
We'll kick things off by meeting at Boards N' Beans before heading out for the audit.
Help shape a safer, more walkable Pacific Beach!
Farewell: Tania Ramirez
It is with bitter sweet emotion, we wish our Legal and Policy Fellow, Tania Ramirez, a happy farewell! CLICK HERE 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!
Farewell: Vince Young
It is with bitter sweet emotion, we wish our Planning and Policy Fellow, Vince Young, a happy farewell! CLICK HERE to read as he shares about the great work he has done and her experience with us.
We wish him the best of luck with all his future endeavors!
Community Action Partnership (CAP) Needs Assessment Meeting & Survey
The County of San Diego and Live Well San Diego need your feedback!
They would love to learn what you think our community needs to thrive. Join the in-person community dialogue meeting to share your ideas and guide the County of San
Diego's Community Action Partnership (CAP) 2028/2029 service plan.
The meetings will be held between July 31 through August 25.
Share your feedback! Complete the survey by July 31st for an opportunity to receive a $100 grocery store gift card!
Please visit sdcountycap.com for the flyers in the County’s threshold languages: Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Somali, Tagalog, and Vietnamese
Nominations Close Today for the 2026 Momentum Awards
Nominations will close today for the 2026 Momentum Awards, Circulate Planning & Policy’s annual recognition of the people and projects advancing safe streets, public transit and land use.
This year introduces new award categories and updated criteria that better reflect the full range of work shaping our region’s future. From housing innovation to transit-oriented development and public sector leadership, the 2026 awards elevate the work driving real change on the ground.
2026 categories include:
- Safe Streets Award
- Public Transit Award
- Planning Award
- Transit Oriented Development Award
- Housing Innovation Award
- Advocate Award
- Public Servant Award
Nominations are due by 5:00 PM on July 31, 2026. Self-nominations and client project nominations are welcome.
Circulate News
Taking the W, Reason, July 14, 2026
SANDAG map identifies SB 79 transit stops in North County, The Coast News Group, July 16, 2026
Letter to the Editor: Apartment Vacancy Rates Paint an Incomplete Picture, Voice of San Diego, July 16, 2026
SB 79 Deconstructed: San Marcos, Streetsblog Cal, July 20, 2026
City lowering speeds throughout San Diego County, KUSI News, July 21, 2026
San Diego starts to reduce speed limits in plan targeting 20% of city roads, NBC 7 News, July 21, 2026
Draconian new crackdown on drivers deployed in major California city, California Post, July 22, 2026
Speed Limits Reduced as Part of Comprehensive Speed Management Plan, Inside San Diego, July 21, 2026
San Diego’s streets safe for kids? Here’s what its biggest school district wants the city to fix, The San Diego Union Tribune, July 22, 2026
Transit-Oriented Development Planned For Bowie State, But It Could Take Years To Complete, City Biz, July 22, 2026
Housing Research & Analysis, California YIMBY, July 23, 2026
Fare Hikes Coming in San Diego Because of State/Fed. Funding Retreat, Streetsblog Cal, July 23, 2026
Loose Gravel Turns Deadly for Cyclist on San Antonio’s Northeast Side, Hoodline, July 27, 2026
As San Diego's Vision Zero Deadline Passes, Traffic Deaths Are Rising. A Local Injury Attorney Says Drivers Should Know, EIN Presswire, July 28, 2026
How Are The Cities Of San Diego, Oceanside And Solana Beach Implementing SB 79’s Transit-Oriented Development Strategy? It’s Complicated, Mondaq, July 29, 2026
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Farewell Spotlight: Tania Ramirez
FAREWELL SPOTLIGHT: TANIA RAMIREZ
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.
What was your title: Legal and Policy Fellow
Tell us a bit about your time at Circulate (planning, policy, roles, how long).
I spent 14 weeks as the Legal and Policy Fellow at Circulate, where I supported transportation policy research focused on the financial recovery of public transit agencies following the COVID-19 pandemic.
A large part of my work involved building and maintaining a comprehensive spreadsheet that analyzed transit agencies across the United States. I researched each agency's financial profile, identified funding challenges, and evaluated the initiatives they implemented to restore ridership, reduce fiscal deficits, and improve long-term sustainability.
In addition to research, I participated in advocacy efforts by attending public meetings and learning how transportation policy is developed and implemented at the local and regional levels.
What was your favorite part of working at Circulate?
My favorite part of working at Circulate was the opportunity to explore an area of law and policy that was completely new to me. Although I hope to practice intellectual property law, I've always had a genuine interest in public policy, and this fellowship gave me a chance to stay connected to that passion while learning about transportation planning and advocacy. Just as rewarding was getting to know the incredible people on the Circulate team. Learning from colleagues with backgrounds in planning, policy, and advocacy gave me a broader perspective on the many ways professionals can create meaningful change. Their passion for improving communities was inspiring, and it made my experience at Circulate amazing.
What are your favorite projects or accomplishments from your time at Circulate?
One of my favorite accomplishments was learning about aspects of transportation advocacy that I never expected to be part of my role. I learned how to prepare and deliver public testimony at MTS, SANDAG, and City Council meetings, which helped me become much more confident speaking in public and advocating for policy change.
One of the highlights of my internship was being quoted in the local newspaper after providing public testimony. It was exciting to see that my voice could contribute to important community conversations. This experience showed me how advocacy, public engagement, and planning come together to create meaningful change and was one of the most rewarding parts of my time at Circulate.
What are you doing next, and what are your career plans?
This fall, I will return to law school to begin my second year (2L). During the semester, I will also be externing for a United States Magistrate Judge, where I look forward to strengthening my legal research, writing, and analytical skills while gaining firsthand experience with the judicial process.
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Farewell Spotlight: Vince Young
Farewell Spotlight: Vince Young
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.
What was your title: Planning and Policy Fellow
Tell us a bit about your time at Circulate (planning, policy, roles, how long).
As the summer Planning and Policy Fellow, I primarily supported research into the effects of California’s density bonus law. Specifically, I looked into the characteristics (unit count, affordability levels, etc.) of housing projects approved in the last few years.
What was your favorite part of working at Circulate?
I greatly enjoyed working with the collegial and passionate group at Circulate. It was really interesting learning about all the different planning and advocacy initiatives this organization is involved in all around the state.
What are your favorite projects or accomplishments from your time at Circulate?
It was really rewarding to research and produce additional evidence to demonstrate Bonus Law’s efficacy in addressing the California housing crisis. I’m very excited for the publication of this data in Circulate’s second report on bonus law... keep your eyes peeled for it!
What are you doing next, and what are your career plans?(200 words max)
I’ll be returning to the east coast to finish up my masters in city planning at MIT. After graduating, I hope to return to the San Diego area and continue to work on land use regulations and housing affordability issues!
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Circulator - 07/17/2026
- Nominations Open for the 2026 Momentum Awards
- Read our New Nature in Motion Report!
- Transit Fares Set to Increase
- 2026 California Infill Summit: Best Practices and Breakthrough Opportunities
- Circulate CEO Published in San Francisco Chronicle
- Bicycle Film Festival returns to San Diego on July 25
- Happy Work Anniversary Spotlight: Cierra Johnson
- Promotion Spotlight: Leslie Aparicio
- Board & Staff Retreat: Setting Our Course for the Year Ahead
- Circulate News
Nominations Open for the 2026 Momentum Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Momentum Awards, Circulate Planning & Policy’s annual recognition of the people and projects advancing safe streets, public transit and land use.
This year introduces new award categories and updated criteria that better reflect the full range of work shaping our region’s future. From housing innovation to transit-oriented development and public sector leadership, the 2026 awards elevate the work driving real change on the ground.
2026 categories include:
- Safe Streets Award
- Public Transit Award
- Planning Award
- Transit Oriented Development Award
- Housing Innovation Award
- Advocate Award
- Public Servant Award
Nominations are due by 5:00 PM on July 31, 2026. Self-nominations and client project nominations are welcome.
Read our New Nature in Motion Report!
Urban greening and traffic calming are essential strategies for creating safer, healthier, and more sustainable communities. Urban greening integrates trees, landscaping, green infrastructure, and other nature-based solutions to improve air quality, reduce urban heat, manage stormwater, and enhance biodiversity. Traffic calming uses roadway design features to reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other road users. Together, these approaches create safer, more sustainable mobility.
This Urban Greening and Traffic Calming Toolkit provides local agencies, organizations, and community members with practical strategies for implementing urban greening and traffic calming throughout San Diego County. It highlights treatments such as landscaped medians, landscaped roundabouts, street trees, planter-protected bike lanes, parklets, green walls, vertical gardens, and rain gardens. By integrating these strategies, communities can improve public safety and environmental resilience to enhance quality of life while advancing towards urban development that is equitable and climate-resilient.
Transit Fares Set to Increase
Today, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) voted to move forward with raising transit fares.
Starting October 1, 2027, the cost to ride the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit District (NCTD) systems will increase. A standard one-way trip on the MTS system will cost $3 and a monthly pass will cost $85. Riders eligible for Senior, Disabled, Medicare, and Youth discounted fares will pay $28 for a monthly pass. The modifications maintain long-standing fare affordability measures that Circulate has advocated for, like free transfers and fare capping.
Fares are set to increase one additional time on October 1, 2027. While necessary, these fare increases are only a temporary solution. MTS and NCTD will need to come up will additional revenue streams to address long-term deficits. As they seek long-term solutions, MTS and NCTD must identify funding measures that do not further burden riders, like ballot measures, seeking state operations funding, and creative advertising strategies.
2026 California Infill Summit: Best Practices and Breakthrough Opportunities
Can we actually get things built in California? The Council of Infill Builders is convening the people working to make sure the answer is YES.
The California Infill Summit will feature city leaders, including Los Angeles Mayor and mayoral candidate Karen Bass (invited), Los Angeles City Councilmember and mayoral candidate Nithya Raman, City of San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, and Santa Monica City Manager Oliver Chi, along Circulate’s own CEO and General Counsel Colin Parent.
Speakers and participants will include builders, contractors, lawyers, lenders, utilities, elected officials, planners, community organizations, sustainability professionals, and students for a practical conversation about what it takes to make infill projects pencil, get permitted, get powered up, open their doors, and avoid death by a thousand cuts along the way.
Come be part of the conversation about what’s working, what’s not, and what changes we need. California’s housing, economic development and climate goals – not to mention the future of our industry – hang in the balance.
Circulate CEO Published in San Francisco Chronicle
Last weekend, the San Francisco Chronicle published an op-ed from Circulate’s CEO and General Counsel Colin Parent.
The piece highlighted our report Win-Win Bonus, which measures the impacts of statewide reforms to Bonus Law, sponsored by Circulate Planning & Policy. Those reforms first took effect in 2021, and in the four years following, Bonus Law has been used to approve more than 140,000 new homes across California.
By the numbers, the recent amendments to Bonus Law have created more housing approvals than any other law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to date.
The piece also raises the issue that San Francisco’s Family Zoning Plan is designed to undermine the use of this important and successful housing policy. The City of Los Angeles is also being sued for similar issues.
Circulate has been a champion of Bonus Law across the state, and we are proud to help its implementation both throughout the San Diego region, and beyond.Bicycle Film Festival returns to San Diego on July 25
It’s Bicycle Film Festival’s 26th year celebrating bicycles through art, film, and music. For 26 years, the BFF has reached an audience of one million people in over 100 cities worldwide.
Bicycle Film Festival is coming back to San Diego at the Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art (1649 El Prado) on July 25th, 2026.
BFF San Diego presents three international short film programs that appeal to film connoisseurs, avid cyclists, and everyone in between. Curated documentaries, narratives, animations, award-winning directors, and emerging talents all share equal billing.
3:00pm CINEMATIC SHORTS
A story driven program with diverse, cinematic fi lmmaking styles: documentaries, narrative, animation, and more.5:00pm ADVENTURE SHORTS
For lovers of mountain biking, gravel, bike packing, and cycling in general. This program takes you on a journey around the world.8:00pm URBAN BIKE SHORTS
Urban Bike Shorts capture the spirit of street, youth, fi xed gear, bmx, and messenger cultures from passionate cyclists in cities around the world.Full Festival Passes $35, Individual Programs $22
Happy Work Anniversary Spotlight: Cierra Johnson
It’s a celebration! Today we Congratulate Cierra Johnson on her 3rd year Work Anniversary with Circulate!
As is our tradition, we interviewed Cierra so our supporters and members can see what she’s been up to.
Promotion Spotlight: Leslie Aparicio
Please join us in congratulating Leslie Aparicio for being promoted from Assistant Planner to Associate Planner!
She wears many hats and is a great asset to our team. We appreciate her dedication and hard work. Congratulations, Leslie!
We asked Leslie a couple of questions regarding her new role.
Board & Staff Retreat: Setting Our Course for the Year Ahead
Last week, Circulate’s Board and Staff came together for our annual retreat to celebrate our wins, tackle big ideas, and chart the road ahead.
The day was filled with energy, collaboration, and plenty of inspiration. A highlight of the day was our special lunchtime guest, Carlsbad’s Mayor Pro Tem Priya Baht Patel and chair of NCTD Board and a special tour of North City Development by Sea Breeze CEO Gary Levitt.
Circulate News
Deadly After-Midnight Crossing On Clairemont Mesa Boulevard In Kearny Mesa, Hoodline, July 5, 2026
San Diego to get more transit housing density as SB 79 row settles, July 8, 2026
Zero-Emission Technologies at San Diego Schools Provide Education and Protect Safety, California Climate Investments, July 9, 2026
Arriving Soon in San Diego: Driverless Waymo Testing, Government Technology, July 8, 2026
San Diego Avoids Disastrous Cuts to Transportation Safety, Final Budget Praised by Advocates, Streetsblog Cal, July 8, 2026
California found a housing fix that works. San Francisco is trying to evade it, San Francisco Chronicle, July 11, 2026
Opinion: Finish the Rapid 215. San Diego's bus riders deserve better., The San Diego Union Tribune, July 13, 2026
Escondido On Edge As State Law Clears Way For Transit Towers, Hoodline ,July 13, 2026
PRESS RELEASE - Circulate Planning & Policy Statement on Transit Fare Increase, July 17, 2026
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Circulator - 07/02/2026
Nominations Open for the 2026 Momentum Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Momentum Awards, Circulate Planning & Policy’s annual recognition of the people and projects advancing safe streets, public transit and land use.
This year introduces new award categories and updated criteria that better reflect the full range of work shaping our region’s future. From housing innovation to transit-oriented development and public sector leadership, the 2026 awards elevate the work driving real change on the ground.
2026 categories include:
- Safe Streets Award
- Public Transit Award
- Planning Award
- Transit Oriented Development Award
- Housing Innovation Award
- Advocate Award
- Public Servant Award
Nominations are due by 5:00 PM on July 31, 2026. Self-nominations and client project nominations are welcome.
Join us for a Pedestrian Audit in City Heights
Circulate in collaboration with Building Skills Partnership is hosting a pedestrian audit where we will identify safety hazards for pedestrians and bicyclists around El Cajon Boulevard and Meade Avenue. Our findings will be recorded and reported to the City of San Diego to help improve street safety.
Join us on Monday, July 13th @ 12:00 pm for a pedestrian audit in City Heights. We will be meeting at the Building Skills Partnership's office (4001 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA) at around 11:50am.
We hope to see you there!
Register Now – All About Air Quality Bootcamp
All About Air Quality Bootcamp is a training designed for community members interested in local air quality issues and monitoring! This 2.5 day training will cover a wide variety of topics surrounding air quality, with the aim to help advocates feel confident and comfortable talking about air quality and doing community air quality monitoring.
Hosted by the Coalition for Clean Air, the bootcamp will take place at the Circulate office in downtown San Diego on Thursday, August 13 – Saturday, August 15.
Thursday’s session will be a dinner beginning at 6:30pm, and Friday and Saturday’s sessions will run from 9:00am – 4:00pm.
The bootcamp is free but registration is required to attend. Attendees will receive a $200/day stipend for 2.5 days ($500 total for participating) and get reimbursed for mileage costs. Participants must attend the entire 2.5 day training to receive payment.
Space is limited! To receive the registration link or to ask questions, email Carlisle at [email protected].
Watch our Imperial Beach Infrastructure Videos!
Circulate partnered with the City of Imperial Beach to showcase current and upcoming bike infrastructure.
Grab your bike and ride out to see the scenic views that Imperial Beach has to offer!
Watch our videos on Youtube using the links below.
AB 2433 Clears Senate Policy Committees
Last week, the Affordable Homes Bonus Law (AB 2433) cleared the Senate Local Government Committee 7-0 and the Senate Housing Committee 10-0.
Circulate CEO and General Counsel Colin Parent testified in support of the bill before both committees. He was joined by Mahdi Manji, Director of Public Policy at the Inner City Law Center, and Claremont City Councilmember Jed Leano.
The bill will be heard in Senate Appropriations in August, before heading to the Senate floor!
Congress Passed the 21st Century Road to Housing Act
Congress recently passed the 21st Century Road to Housing Act, the most impactful federal pro-housing legislation in decades.
Circulate has been active in the national coalition advocating for this bill, signing onto coalition letters as the bill advanced through Congress. We were proud to play a small part in this landmark accomplishment!
Listen to Colin discussing the bill on the local news here.
Circulate News
Which US cities have the most housing near transit?, Planetizen, June 10, 2026
Oceanside prepares for SB 79 housing law, The Coast News Group, June 9, 2026
California’s most ambitious housing law is taking full effect on July 1 — it could create a million new apartments and condominiums, Secret Los Angeles, June 10, 2026
Parking officers target areas around Windansea Beach for daylighting violations, La Jolla Village News, June 15, 2026
Commentary: SANDAG shouldn’t leave housing on the table, La Jolla Village News, June 15, 2026
Tracking SB 79 Implementation Before the Train Leaves the Station, Holland & Knight, June 16, 2026
SHIFTING GEARS: San Diego Peddles Bicycle Mobility Through A City Dominated By Cars, Streetsblogcal, June 15, 2026
SB 79 Implementation in San Diego, Streetsblogcal, June 22, 2026
San Marcos ordinance delays some SB 79 housing upzoning, The Coast News Group, June 22, 2026
Tracking SB 79 Implementation Before the Train Leaves the Station, Mondaq, June 23, 2026
Skyscrapers encouraged: Development near transit in California’s biggest cities poised for major boost from new bill, The Real Deal, June 25, 2026
Implementing SB 79 Part II- Solana Beach, Streetsblog, June 25, 2026
Policy Letter: Comments on the Proposed Residential Rental Fee Ordinance, June 29, 2026
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Intro Spotlight - Vince Young
Intro spotlight - Vince YOung
- Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Vince Young and I’m originally from the San Gabriel Valley (Los Angeles County). I’ve been fascinated by cities ever since age 10 when I first went to visit my extended family in Asia. I spent a long time afterwards wondering why my home region didn’t have the same sort of vibrant, walkable, mixed-used neighborhoods as those I experienced on that trip. I still do.
Decades later I’m now a Master of City Planning student at MIT. I am interested in thinking through how we should utilize scarce land resources to move towards more sustainable and equitable futures. Prior to attending planning school, I worked as an attorney at the intersection of law, policy, and health equity.
I’ve lived up and down the California coast including in San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Berkeley/Oakland, Santa Cruz; and on the east coast in New York City and now Boston. Nowhere feels more like home than San Diego. In my free time, you can find me at Blacks Beach or at the Hillcrest Farmer’s Market.
- How did you become interested in Circulate San Diego?
San Diego has the most perfect weather in the world. Health, fitness, and being active outside are deeply embedded in its culture. I can think of no better place for an urban transformation so that cars, public transit, bikes/scooters, and walking all have a place. Circulate has been at the forefront of advocating for greater mobility options in this region for decades, and I wanted to be a part of that.
- What’s your most memorable face palm moment? Or what is your biggest achievement to date? Choose one.
My attempt to get back into skateboarding in my 30s. It’s a facepalm (face-concrete, really) for my health but maybe an achievement for the soul? Either way, I sure learned a lot about my health insurance plan.
- If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor?
Janette Sadik-Khan, the former transportation commissioner for New York City. She spearheaded the creation of transformative active use infrastructure in the city.
I am inspired by her passion, persistence, and imagination in making change happen. It’s often easy to feel defeatist about urbanism in the United States but through her work (and the work of others around the world), I am reminded that nothing human-created is ever immutable. Every single aspect of our built environment was shaped by social decision-making. If we made a world where we circle around North Park for half an hour to find parking or sit in bumper-to-bumper traffic on the 805 to get to work, we can certainly dream of and create a different future too.
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Circulator - 05/27/2026
Post-Primary Mixer with Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee
The ballots will be counted, the results will be rolling in, and the conversations will just be getting started.
Join Circulate Planning & Policy and the Urban Land Institute on June 3rd for our Summer Membership Mixer featuring special guest Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee. Together, we’ll break down what the California Primary means for housing, transportation, and the future of growth in our region.
Connect with local leaders, advocates, and members over drinks and conversation as we kick off the summer.
Upcoming: Balboa Park Transit Trip & Pedestrian Audit!
In collaboration with RideSD, join us on Saturday, May 30, 2026 for a Transit Trip and Pedestrian Audit to Balboa Park.
We will be meeting at Fashion Valley Transit Center at 10:15 AM and departing at 10:35 AM promptly to take the 120 bus to Balboa Park.
Can't make it to the Transit Trip?
We will be meeting at Fourth Avenue and Laurel Street at 11:00 AM to start the Pedestrian Audit into Balboa Park.
Bike Anywhere Day Recap!
Last week, the Circulate team had the pleasure of welcoming cyclists to our booths for Bike Anywhere Day 2026!
Bike Anywhere Day (formerly Bike to Work Day) is a free, annual event that SANDAG has hosted in the San Diego region for more than 30 years. It is an opportunity for everyone to ride to work, school, the beach, or anywhere.
This year, the Circulate team tabled near Chula Vista’s Living Coast Discovery Center, Portwood Pier in the City of Imperial Beach, and at SDSU’s Transit Center.
Check out the pictures from Bike Anywhere Day here!
The Affordable Homes Bonus Law passes the Assembly!
This Wednesday, the Affordable Homes Bonus Law passed the State Assembly 53-0. This Circulate-sponsored legislation will make it easier for builders to use California Bonus Law to construct affordable homes.
The bill is authored by Assemblymember David Alvarez, who represents District 80 in the South Bay part of San Diego County. Assemblymember Alvarez has been an author for several of our bills over the years. This reflects his priorities to create more affordable home ownership and rental opportunities in our region.Earlier this month, Assemblymember Alvarez released a video discussing our bill, and why it is important for a more affordable California.
Circulate CEO on Building Better Cities Podcast
Circulate CEO and General Counsel Colin Parent recently appeared on the Building Better Cities Podcast with Kate Gasparro.
Together, Kate and Colin discuss how Bonus Law evolved from a rarely used statute into a central housing production tool, now accounting for a significant share of multifamily housing approvals in California. We also examine how San Diego became an early testing ground for reform, how local innovation scaled into state policy, and why incentive-based approaches can sometimes outperform more traditional regulatory strategies.Beyond the mechanics, this conversation explores broader questions of housing affordability, urban infrastructure, and coalition-building: what it takes to align public and private interests—and where even successful policies may still leave gaps, particularly for middle-income households.
Circulate News
‘We’re seeing progress’: Indy’s Vision Zero Task Force shares findings of first annual report, Fox News, May 7, 2026
Above the tracks: China's unique model for transit-oriented development, Planetizen, May 8, 2026
Nashville Rally Demands Action Over Rising Pedestrian Deaths, Hoodline, May 12, 2026
Traffic pain points addressed by planning board, especially those near College Area schools, Mission Times Courier, May 13, 2026
After 14 years in limbo, North County 5/78 interchange back in the spotlight, inewsource, May 14, 2026
Caltrans investigates 140-mph ‘Bullet Buses’ between LA and San Francisco, Planetizen, May 15, 2026
Traffic pain points addressed by planning board, especially those near College Area schools, MSN, May 24, 2026
California’s Affordable Housing Push: Incremental Gains Amidst Structural Shortfalls, Azat TV, May16, 2026
Nine chilling charts that illustrate transit's fiscal woes, Planetizen, May 18, 2026
City Council debates Vision Zero traffic funding,KOB, May 19, 2026
Mamdani Plots Big Housing Shake-Up Just South Of Prospect Park, Hoodline, May 20, 2026
Plan for housing near trolley transit center on track, The Star News, May 23, 2026
State land-use law looming over La Mesa’s transit corridors, La Mesa Courier, May 25, 2026
Letter of Support: Harbison Avenue Community Corridor, May 15, 2026
Letter of Support: National City 8th Street Gap Closure, May 19, 2026
Policy Letter: 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, May 19, 2026
Policy Letter: Support for SB 1292, May 21, 2026
Letter of Support: Oceanside Coastal Rail Trail ATP Application, May 27, 2026
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Circulator - 05/15/2026
- Post-Primary Mixer with Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee
- Save the Date: CycloviaEncinitas 2026
- FREE Bike Valet at SDFC vs Cincinnati Game
- Save the Date: Bike Anywhere Day
- AB 2433 Moves to the Assembly Floor
- Fighting Against Safety Budget Cuts
- Member Guest Post: A Better Street Width – and City – Is Possible
- Intro Spotlight: Tania Ramirez
- Circulate Releases Bonus Tracks
- Circulate News
Post-Primary Mixer with Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee
The ballots will be counted, the results will be rolling in, and the conversations will just be getting started.
Join Circulate Planning & Policy and the Urban Land Institute on June 3rd for our Summer Membership Mixer featuring special guest Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee. Together,we’llbreak down what the California Primary means for housing, transportation, and the future of growth in our region.
Connect with local leaders, advocates, and members over drinks and conversation as we kick off the summer.
Save the Date: Cyclovia Encinitas 2026
Save the date for Cyclovia Encinitas this Sunday, May 17th from 10am to 2pm!
The City of Encinitas will be closing Coast Highway 101 from D Street to I Street to allow people to walk, bike, and roll freely through the open street event.
Take part in a bike rodeo, test your skills on the bike course, decorate your helmet, visit the various informational booths, and more!
FREE Bike Valet at SDFC vs Cincinnati Game
Circulate and SDFC are working together to offer FREE bike valet services in celebration of Bike month!
Join Circulate at Snapdragon Stadium to safely stow your bike while you enjoy the SDFC vs Cincinnati soccer game! The bike valet will be located in the East lawn on May 16th. It will be in operation from 3:30 PM until 30 minutes after the game ends.
See you there!
Save the Date: Bike Anywhere Day
Celebrate National Bike Month by hopping on two wheels for Bike Anywhere Day on Thursday, May 21 from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m.
This region-wide celebration is all about discovering the joy of biking—whether you’re commuting, heading to school, or just out for some fun. It's a free, feel-good event that helps reduce traffic, reduce pollution, and boost your health. Click here to register for the event on SANDAG’s website!
Circulate San Diego will be partnering with SDSU, the City of Imperial Beach, and the City of Chula Vista on hosting a pit stop for this event. We’ll be giving out snacks, drinks, and handing out free safety gear and materials to keep your ride smooth and safe.
Find Circulate at SDSU’s Aztec Walk near the SDSU Transit Station, the parking lot by Living Coast Discovery Center at the intersection of E Street and Bay Boulevard, and at Portwood Pier Plaza.
Click here to see a map of all of the pit stop locations around San Diego County!
AB 2433 Moves to the Assembly Floor
This past Wednesday, the Assembly Appropriations Committee voted to advance AB 2433, the Affordable Homes Bonus Law. Colin Parent, Circulate CEO and General Counsel, joined Assemblymember David Alvarez in providing testimony in support of the bill.
The bill is expected to hit the Assembly Floor on May 21st. Interested in supporting the bill? Click the link below to support this legislation!
Fighting Against Safety Budget Cuts
Circulate and Vision Zero Coalition partners are joining together to fight the Mayor’s proposed cuts to traffic safety in the upcoming fiscal year.
In case you missed it, the Mayor is proposing to eliminate an essential safety team in FY 2027. In response, a broad coalition of advocates sent a letter urging the Mayor to reverse course, and proposing general fund-neutral options to fund the team. We also held a bike ride and rally to demonstrate the broad community support for this critical safety team.
Want to join the fight? It’s not too late for you to make your voice heard! Attend the City Council meeting on May 18 at 6 pm to share why this safety team matters to you. You can also click the link below to email the Mayor and City Council with your concerns.
Member Guest Post: A Better Street Width – and City – Is Possible
Circulate Planning & Policy, occasionally host written materials from members and allied organizations. Check out this piece written by Jeffrey Davis on land-use!
Intro Spotlight: Tania Ramirez
Join us in welcoming our new summer Legal & Policy Fellow, Tania Ramirez! As is our tradition, we interviewed Tania so our supporters and members can get to know her!
Circulate Releases Bonus Tracks
Last week, Circulate did something unusual: we dropped an album.
The album is titled “Bonus Tracks: Songs for Affordable Homes,” and it’s a whimsical good time. It also serves a real purpose to highlight the success of California density bonus law (“Bonus Law”), as outlined in our recent report “Win-Win Bonus: How California's Bonus Law quietly transformed housing approvals.”
Notable “Bonus Tracks” include:
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- Twenty Sixteen, a chart topper celebrating the history of Bonus Law policy being first developed by the City of San Diego, and then later extended statewide.
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- Thank Sacramento, a Broadway showtune praising state leaders for reforming Bonus Law to make it easier for local elected officials to approve the affordable homes we need.
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- Coast Like Us, a diss track calling out the California Coastal Commission for its historical practices delaying and denying affordable homes in wealthy coastal communities.
Circulate News
Where Are San Diego County’s Highest-Risk Intersections?, inkl, April 28, 2026
Transit agency floats plans for hundreds of affordable San Jose homes, MSN, May 4, 2026
Sacramento Report: California Coastal Commission ‘Untouchable’ No More, Voice of San Diego, May 1, 2026
San Diego seeking delays, exemptions to new state law requiring high-rises near transit stops, The San Diego Union Tribune, May 3, 2026
Deadly Blossom Hill Pileup Stuns South San Jose, Hoodline, May 3, 2026
San Diego wants to limit upzoning law to just 16% of transit-adjacent parcels, Planetizen, May 6, 2026
Circulate Planning & Policy Releases Bonus Tracks, May 6, 2026
Letter of Support: NCTD’s 2026 TIRCP Application, May 7, 2026
Letter of Support: SANDAG's Robinson Bridge, May 12, 2026
Letter of Support: City of San Diego Safe Intersections Project, May 12, 2026
Policy Letter: Vision Zero Advocates Outline Ways to Fund Traffic Safety in FY 2027, May 13, 2026
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Intro Spotlight - Tania Ramirez
Intro Spotlight - Tania Ramirez
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a San Diego native and first-generation Latina currently pursuing my J.D at
California Western School of Law, with a strong interest in public policy and
community advocacy. I recently graduated from UCLA, where I earned a B.S. in
Chemistry and minored in Global Studies.I also take pride in staying connected to my Mexican roots. My family is from Jalisco,
and I value traditions and experiences that keep me grounded in my culture.
Whether that’s attending jaripeos, spending time with family, or celebrating
community events, those connections are an important part of who I am.
In my free time, I enjoy exploring new coffee shops, going on scenic walks, and
trying different food spots around the city. I’m always looking for ways to stay
connected to my community while continuing to learn and grow.How did you become interested in Circulate San Diego?
I’ve always been passionate about public interest and advocacy, a value that
started at a young age. Growing up, I often joined my mom at labor union protests,
where I was first exposed to the power of collective action and the importance of
fighting for equitable treatment. That early experience stayed with me and
continued to shape my interests over time. In undergrad, I further explored this passion by getting involved in student government roles that focused on legislative advocacy, where I worked on initiatives aimed at representing and supporting the student body. Those experiences helped me better understand how policy can be used as a tool to
create meaningful change. Now, as I pursue my law degree, I’ve been looking for opportunities to directly connect my legal education with policy work. Circulate stood out as the perfect place to do that. Its focus on transportation, sustainability, and equity aligns with both my personal values and my desire to contribute to impactful policy work in the community I call home.What’s your most memorable face palm moment? Or what is your biggest
achievement to date? Choose one.My biggest achievement to date is earning my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
from UCLA as a first-generation Latina. Higher education was not an opportunity my
ancestors had access to, so completing my degree felt like a meaningful milestone
not just for me, but for my family and lineage. It represents both personal
accomplishment and generational progress.Chemistry is a challenging field that pushed me to develop discipline, resilience,
and strong problem-solving skills. There were moments when the path felt difficult,
but persisting through those challenges made the achievement even more
rewarding. This experience gave me confidence in my ability to succeed in
demanding environments and reinforced the importance of perseverance.If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor?
If I could choose anyone as my mentor, I would choose Salma Hayek. I admire how
she has built a powerful and enduring career while advocating for greater
representation of Latina women in the media industry. Beyond her success as an
actress, she has taken on leadership roles as a producer, creating opportunities for
more diverse stories to be told. What I find especially inspiring is her ability to balance strength, authenticity, and cultural pride. She has remained grounded in her identity while navigating spaces that have not always been inclusive. As a first-generation Latina pursuing a career in law and policy, I would value learning from her example of using influence and leadership to create opportunities for others while staying true to one’s roots. -
Circulator - 05/01/2026
- Save the Date: Circulate's Post-Primary Membership Mixer
- May is National Bike Month!
- Quick-Build Demonstration at North Park Farmers Market
- RECAP: Transit Field Trip with King Chavez Academy of Excellence 8th Graders
- FREE Bike Valet at SDFC vs Austin Game (5/13)
- Upcoming: Groundwork SD x Circulate Bike Audit!
- Circulate Comments on the City’s Bike Master Plan Update
- AB 2433 Passes Three Policy Committees!
- Win-Win Bonus is Making Headlines
- Corporate Member Spotlight: The Organization Guiding Downtown San Diego’s Future
- Circulate News
Save the Date: Circulate's Post-Primary Membership Mixer
Join Circulate Planning & Policy and the Urban Land Institute for our Summer Membership Mixer on June 3rd with special guest Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee.
Just one day after the California Primary, we'll come together to unpack the results and what they mean for housing, transit, and land use across the region. Come for the drinks, stay for the conversation.
May is National Bike Month!
Now that it’s May, we are officially in one of the best months of the year – National Bike Month!
Established in 1956, National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling — and encourage more folks to giving biking a try. Circulate is celebrating by hosting and participating in several events each week, including three Bike Anywhere Day pit stops, a bike audit, bike valets, a bike rodeo, and more!
Check out our website calendar for an up-to-date list of all of the activities we have coming up in May (and beyond) and keep an eye out for our social media posts as well 😊
Quick-Build Demonstration at North Park Farmers Market
On Thursday, April 23, Circulate had the pleasure of co-hosting a quick-build traffic calming demonstration at the North Park Farmers Market.
In collaboration with AARP California, North Park Main Street, America Walks, and Councilmember Whitburn’s office, a team of volunteers installed temporary artistic crosswalks, planter-protected bulb-outs, a median refuge island, and a parklet.
Quick-builds are low-cost and community-centered opportunities to make our streets safer in the immediate term. A petition disseminated at the event allowed attendees to sign on in support of creating a streamlined and inexpensive permitting process for quick-build traffic calming and placemaking demonstration projects in San Diego. To sign the petition, visit the link here!
We have some great photos from the event available on our Instagram page.
Special thanks to former Circulate Legal Intern Zack DeFazio-Farrell for the cool drone photo featured in this write-up!
RECAP: Transit Field Trip with King Chavez Academy of Excellence 8th Graders
This past Thursday, April 23rd, Circulate and a student/staff group from King-Chavez Academy of Excellence embarked on a transit field trip to the San Diego Central Library and to the Coronado Ferry Landing. The purpose of the trip was to give the 8th graders hands-on experience with riding the Blue Line Trolley.
Over the past few months, Circulate has been working with the school on getting their students signed up for MTS’s Youth Opportunity Pass. This trip served as a fun way for the students to utilize that pass while exploring some of San Diego’s great destinations!
A huge thank you to Flagship Cruises & Events for providing the group tickets to ride the Ferry! Their gracious contribution allowed many members of the group to ride the Ferry for the first time.
Overall, the trip was a ton of fun and a huge success overall. Check out our Instagram post for pictures of the trip!
FREE Bike Valet at SDFC vs Austin Game (5/13)
Circulate and SDFC are working together to offer FREE bike valet services in celebration of Bike month! Join Circulate at Snapdragon Stadium to safely stow your bike while you enjoy the SDFC vs Austin soccer game! The bike valet will be located in the East lawn on May 13th. It will be in operation from 3:30 PM until 30 minutes after the game ends. See you there!
Upcoming: Groundwork SD x Circulate Bike Audit!
Join us on Saturday, May 9th at 10:00 am for a 5.5 mile Bike Audit from Groundwork San Diego's office to Cesar Chavez Park!
Groundwork San Diego Chollas Creek has led efforts to connect Southeast San Diego to Barrio Logan. In collaboration, ride with us to discuss existing cycling conditions and opportunities to improve bike safety and access along the route.
Circulate Comments on the City’s Bike Master Plan Update
This week, Circulate and the Vision Zero Coalition sent a letter to the City Planning Department commenting on the City’s draft bike master plan update.
The City is currently updating its bike master plan, and has proposed a new draft network. Vision Zero advocates wrote to the City Planning Department outlining our priorities for the final updated plan.
The final plan should remain consistent with the City’s “Class IV First” approach, striving to prioritize safer separated facilities. When selecting facility types, the City must also use objective standards to evaluate what is feasible, and reject any notions of relying on anecdotal concerns about parking impacts. The letter also outlines network improvements that planner should keep in mind as they work to craft a final plan.
AB 2433 Passes Three Policy Committees!
On April 20, AB 2433, the Affordable Homes Bonus Law, passed the Assembly Natural Resources Committee. After successfully passing Assembly Housing and Local Government, this marks the third and final policy committee that AB 2433 is set to face in the Assembly.
Next steps, Assembly Appropriations and then the Assembly floor!
Win-Win Bonus is Making Headlines
In case you missed it, Circulate’s newest report, Win-Win Bonus, is making headlines!
Here’s a roundup of what media and substackers have to say about our look into California Bonus Law production.
- Developers use California’s ‘density bonus’ law far more than higher-profile YIMBY bills, Times of San Diego, April 10, 2026
- Aumenta construcción de vivienda en California impulsada por incentivos estatales, KSDY50, April 10, 2026
- California density bonus law spurs approval of over 140K homes, report finds, CBS 8, April 12, 2026
- Report: California's density bonus is a 'win-win' for developers and affordable housing, Planetizen, April 12, 2026
- What If Inclusionary Zoning Could Actually Work?, The New Urban Order Substack, April 13, 2026
- Where Are All the Cranes?,Arbitrary Lines, April 14, 2026
- When more housing becomes a hard sell,Slow Boring, April 15, 2026
- Housing Lessons from … California?,The Philadelphia Citizen, April 15, 2026
- California density bonus law spurs affordable housing, think tank says, Sacramento Business Journal, April 21, 2026
- The Housing Loophole Arms Race, Jeremy's Quarterly, April 23, 2026
Corporate member spotlight: The Organization Guiding Downtown San Diego’s Future
As a nonprofit organization, the Downtown San Diego Partnership serves as the principal voice and driving force behind the economic prosperity and cultural vitality of Downtown San Diego.
Through a unique combination of advocacy, enhanced services, and community investment, the DSDP works to create a vibrant, welcoming urban core where people can live, work, and connect. Serving more than 280 blocks, DSDP’s Clean & Safe program delivers enhanced cleaning and safety services, beautication efforts, and a best practice unhoused care program, helping make Downtown cleaner, safer, and more vibrant.
With a diverse membership of businesses, property owners, and community stakeholders, DSDP brings together voices from across Downtown and the greater region to advance shared priorities and shape a stronger urban future. Because every great city deserves a great Downtown.
Instagram: @downtownsandiego
LinkedIn/Facebook: DowntownSanDiegoPartnership
X: @SDPartnershipCirculate News
California density bonus law spurs approval of over 140K homes, report finds, CBS 8, April 12, 2026
CA Housing Bill to Reshape Downtowns with New State-Backed Financing, Vanguard News Group, April 15, 2026
San Diego Mayor proposes scaling back some bike lane projects to balance the city budget for fiscal year 2027, ABC 210 News, April 15, 2026
Mayor’s budget proposal protects police, fire spending, but cuts arts, parks, libraries to plug $118 million gap, Times of San Diego, April 15, 2026
Mayor Gloria’s Budget Has Deep Cuts for Safety and Bicycle Program for the San Diego Department of Transportation, Streetsblog Cal, April 16, 2026
Seattle Street Deaths Put City Hall on the Spot Over Vision Zero, Hoodline, April 17, 2026
MTS, NCTD vote to raise transit fares to $3.25, in bid to stave off service cuts, The San Diego Union Tribune, April 17, 2026
Mayor Gloria’s Budget Has Deep Cuts for Safety and Bicycle Program for the San Diego Department of Transportation, Streetsblog Cal, April 16, 2026
California density bonus law spurs affordable housing, think tank says, Sacramento Business Journal, April 21, 2026
San Diego budget axes multimodal team at DOT, Planetizen, April 20, 2026
The cost of housing is the No. 1 issue for Californians. What will the next governor do to solve it?, KUSI News, April 23, 2026
How San Diego plans to lower speed limits, Axios, April 28, 2026
Vision Zero Coalition Bike Master Plan Update Comments, April 30, 2026
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Circulator - 04/17/2026
- Groundwork SD x Circulate Bike Audit!
- FREE Bike Valet at SDFC vs Austin Game (5/13)
- North Park Safer Streets Demonstration – AARP California
- Circulate Publishes New Report Outlining Success of California Bonus Law
- Win-Win Bonus Report Lunch and Learn
- Help Prevent the City from Defunding Road Safety
- Circulate Engages on MTS Fiscal Sustainability
- Urban Collaborative Project’s Fifth Annual Transportation Justice Expo
- Circulate News
Groundwork SD x Circulate Bike Audit!
Join us on Saturday, May 9th at 10:00 am for a 5.5 mile Bike Audit from Groundwork San Diego's office to Cesar Chavez Park!
Groundwork San Diego Chollas Creek has led efforts to connect Southeast San Diego to Barrio Logan. In collaboration, ride with us to discuss existing cycling conditions and opportunities to improve bike safety and access along the route.
FREE Bike Valet at SDFC vs Austin Game (5/13)
Circulate and SDFC are working together to offer FREE bike valet services in celebration of Bike month!
Join Circulate at Snapdragon Stadium to safely stow your bike while you enjoy the SDFC vs Austin soccer game! The bike valet will be located in the East lawn on May 13th. It will be in operation from 3:30 PM until 30 minutes after the game ends.
See you there!
North Park Safer Streets Demonstration – AARP California
Join AARP California for a Safer Streets Demonstration with the community at the North Park Farmer's Market on Thursday, April 23 from 3:00pm – 7:00pm.
Experience quick-build street design improvements that slow traffic and improve pedestrian safety. Take part in painting, chalk art, and hands-on activities while sharing your feedback on community safety and walkability. Connect with local organizations and learn about ongoing advocacy efforts.
Presented in partnership with City of San Diego Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, America Walks, Circulate Planning & Policy, Families for Safe Streets San Diego, North Park Planning Committee, and more.
Circulate Publishes New Report Outlining Success of California Bonus Law
Last Friday, Circulate Planning & Policy published our latest report Win-Win Bonus: How California’s Bonus Law quietly transformed housing approvals. This report finds that California Density Bonus Law (Bonus Law) was used to approve more than 140,000 homes between 2021 and 2024, far outperforming other state housing streamlining tools.
For years, Bonus Law underperformed. But following AB 2345 (Gonzalez, 2020) and AB 1287 (Alvarez, 2023)—recent enhancements sponsored by Circulate—its use has skyrocketed. These reforms took seriously the idea that builders will choose to build affordable homes if it is financially advantageous to do so.
Circulate held an event announcing the report at One Mississippi Apartments, 100% affordable Bonus Law project built by Trestle Build. We were joined by Assemblymember Chris Ward, advocates, builders, and affordable housing champions.
Win-Win Bonus Report Lunch and Learn
Interested in learning more about our Win-Win Bonus report? Join us next Wednesday for a Lunch and Learn to hear from Colin Parent, CEO and Report Author, about how Bonus Law transformed approvals in California.
The event will be held on April 22nd at 12 pm.
Click the link below to RSVP and receive the zoom link!
Help Prevent the City from Defunding Road Safety
This week, Mayor Gloria released his proposed FY 2027 budget. The budget would fund one of Circulate Planning & Policy’s top budgetary priorities, fixing the Fatal 15.
However, the budget also proposes eliminating the Multimodal Team within the Transportation Department. This team is responsible for planning and designing complete streets improvements, which make roads safer and flow better. They make sure that crosswalks, bike lanes, traffic signal timing, and other similar improvements are implemented as part of the roadway repaving process, when it’s cheapest and easiest to do so. Dissolving this team will push us backwards in our fight to make San Diego streets safer.
But we still have time to fix this and the Vision Zero Coalition needs your help. Click the link below to tell the Mayor and City Council to fund this critical road safety team.
Circulate Engages on MTS Fiscal Sustainability
Circulate Planning & Policy sent a policy letter urging the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) to maintain service as it considers measures to address its operational deficit.
While raising fares is never ideal, when the alternative is cutting service, it must be done. A successful and sustainable transit system requires stable ridership. If routes are cut, frequencies are reduced, or service is made slower, less people will choose transit. This will result in more service cuts, and the “transit doom loop” begins. This ends up hurting riders who rely on transit the most. Raising fares is ultimately what we must do to ensure the system is sustainable in the long-term.
Circulate’s letter recommended that MTS adopt the more aggressive fare increase package with a phased-in approach. On April 16, MTS took this action.
Listen to Aria, Circulate’s Policy Manager, speak with KPBS about the decision here.
Urban Collaborative Project’s Fifth Annual Transportation Justice Expo
This past weekend, Circulate Planning & Policy had the pleasure of attending the Urban Collaborative Project’s Fifth Annual Transportation Justice Expo hosted at Market Creek Plaza. Attendees learned about all transportation related matters happening around the county and resources available to them. The Circulate team shared some of the work that we have been up to, including the Safe and Equitable Access to Parks and Everyday Destinations (SEAPED) Project. We had the opportunity to speak with community members and collect feedback on quick-build infrastructure.
We appreciate everyone who stopped by our table and are grateful to UCP for hosting another successful event!
Circulate News
General Assembly Weighs Major Change to Transit Oriented Development, CityBiz, March 31,m 2026
California's Transit Crisis Derails High-Speed Rail Dreams, San Diego Today, April 2, 2026
Hoboken's Vision Zero Strategy Leads to 9 Years Without Traffic Fatalities, Lifestyle Culture, April 1, 2026
Pedestrian Fatally Struck on West Point Loma Boulevard in San Diego’s, Point Loma Heights; DUI Not Suspected, Go Suits.com, April 1, 2026
‘Bare minimum isn’t going to cut it’: San Diego to begin process implementing state housing law, KUSI News, April 2, 2026
San Diego receives $7M boost from SANDAG for city upgrades, MSN, April 10, 2026
Developers use California’s ‘density bonus’ law far more than higher-profile YIMBY bills, Times of San Diego, April 10, 2026
Policy Letter: San Diego's Transit System Depends on Maintaining Service Levels, April 6, 2026
MEDIA ADVISORY: Circulate Planning & Policy to Announce New Report on California Housing Policy, April 10, 2026
Policy Letter: Comments on SB 79 Implementation, April 14, 2026
Vision Zero Coalition Response to Mayor Gloria’s Proposed FY 2027 Budget, April 15, 2026
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Win-Win Bonus
Read moreWin-Win Bonus
Read the mobile-first version of the report
Associated Content for this Report
Download the full report [PDF]
Press Kit Page
Download the Executive Summary [PDF]
View Appendix A [PDF]
View Appendix B [PDF]
View Appendix C [ZIP]
View Appendix D [PDF]
View Appendix E [PDF]
View Appendix F [PDF]
View Appendix G [PDF]Report Summary
Recent reforms to California’s longstanding density bonus law (“Bonus Law”) have quietly transformed housing approvals in the Golden State.
For years, California has suffered from affordability challenges. The lack of housing supply drives up costs for everyone. Additionally, too few lower-income households have access to deed-restricted affordable homes.
California’s Bonus Law offers homebuilders a win-win bargain. If they choose to build affordable homes in their projects, then they can receive a package of benefits to more than offset those added costs.
In 2020, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2345 into law. That bill allows projects that include affordable homes to grow a full 50 percent larger than underlying zoning restrictions would allow. Assembly Bill 1287 in 2023 provided a second stackable 50 percent bonus, if a project includes even more affordable homes. These two pieces of legislation now allow projects with enough affordable units to build to twice the size of their zoning capacity.
Since the adoption of Assembly Bill 2345, Bonus Law has become the most widely used streamlining law tracked by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. It was not understood at the time of its adoption to be a transformative law. Nevertheless, after its adoption Bonus Law has been used to approve:
- More than 140,000 homes overall,
- More than 69,000 deed-restricted affordable homes,
- In 2024, 47 percent of all homes approved in multifamily projects,
- In 2024, 78 percent of all homes in 100 percent affordable projects, and
- In 2024, ten times more homes than every other tracked streamlining law
These recent changes to Bonus Law take seriously the idea that builders will include affordable homes if it is financially advantageous. These reforms were designed to drive win-win rational economic choices by homebuilders.
The incremental changes to Bonus Law resulted in large numbers of new housing approvals, because the reforms built on an existing large baseline of multifamily production.
Bonus Law helps projects achieve their housing capacity by providing strong tools to overcome and repair broken land use rules. The policy has also been bolstered with other more incremental legislative changes, as well as sustained enforcement from the executive and judicial branches.
Changes to data collection practices in California allow for a clearer picture of housing approvals than was possible in earlier years. This presents an opportunity for advocates and policymakers to evaluate the impact of streamlining laws. It should also inform where to spend future efforts, to secure the most impactful policy changes.
The report concludes with a variety of recommendations for how the legislature and California’s housing agencies can further improve the performance of Bonus Law.
California has an opportunity to build on this successful law, to make the California dream more affordable.
Press
- Developers use California’s ‘density bonus’ law far more than higher-profile YIMBY bills, Times of San Diego, April 10, 2026
- Aumenta construcción de vivienda en California impulsada por incentivos estatales, KSDY50, April 10, 2026
- California density bonus law spurs approval of over 140K homes, report finds, CBS 8, April 12, 2026
- Report: California's density bonus is a 'win-win' for developers and affordable housing, Planetizen, April 12, 2026
- What If Inclusionary Zoning Could Actually Work?, The New Urban Order Substack, April 13, 2026 [PDF]
- Where Are All the Cranes?, Arbitrary Lines, April 14, 2026
- When more housing becomes a hard sell, Slow Boring, April 15, 2026 [PDF]
- Housing Lessons from … California?, The Philadelphia Citizen, April 15, 2026
- California density bonus law spurs affordable housing, think tank says, Sacramento Business Journal, April 21, 2026 [PDF]
- The Housing Loophole Arms Race, Jeremy's Quarterly, April 23, 2026
- How San Diego rewired California housing incentives with Colin Parent, Building Better Cities: The Podcast, May 13, 2026
- San Diego Business Journal Insider, Paragraph 3, May 19, 2026
- California’s Density Bonus Works! And That’s Actually The Problem, Legal Planet, June 19, 2026
- California found a housing fix that works. San Francisco is trying to evade it, San Francisco Chronicle, July 11, 2026
- Formal Application For Empire Theater Redevelopment in West Portal, San Francisco, San Francisco YIMBY, July 13, 2026
- Carlsbad approves controversial Village condo project, North County Pipeline, July 29, 2026
- North Park Lands Sixth CEDARst Project as $80M Loan Fuels 197-Unit Tower, Hoodline, August 15, 2026
- Opinion | California has passed hundreds of housing laws. Why aren’t they working?, The San Francisco Chronicle, August 22, 2026
- The Housing that Comes with a Bonus:More Housing, California YIMBY, August 31, 2026
- From ‘Hell House’ to Seven Stories — WeHo Project Seeks 17 Waivers, WEHOnline, September 9, 2026
- Dueling lawsuits contest new San Francisco Family Zoning rules, The Builder's Daily, September 10, 2026
- San Diego Groups Urged Newsom to Sign Bill Easing Path for 140,000 Homes, Hoodline, September 28, 2026
- Skyscraper Proposed For 1601 Mission Street, San Francisco, SF YIMBY, October 8, 2026
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Circulator - 04/03/2026
- Save the Date: Circulate’s Summer Membership Mixer
- Reminder: 5th Annual Transportation Justice Expo
- Upcoming Bike Audits!
- Circulate Discusses E-Bikes with KPBS
- AB 2433 Advances Unanimously Out of the Assembly Housing Committee
- Preview for our next big report – April 10th
- Dating App: Missed Connections!
- Circulate News
Save the Date: Circulate’s Summer Membership Mixer
Join Circulate Planning & Policy for our Summer Membership Mixer on June 3rd with special guest Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee (District 6).Just one day after the California Primary, we’re sure there will be plenty to discuss!
Enjoy a fun evening of networking, complimentary beverages, music, and celebration. This is a great chance to connect with our engaged membership, Circulate staff, local decision-makers, and professionals active in the land use and transportation sectors.
Reminder: 5th Annual Transportation Justice Expo
The Urban Collaborative Project is celebrating their 5th annual Transportation Justice Expo. Their annual event honors community leadership, advances health equity, and uplifts transportation and environmental justice in San Diego’s most diverse and disproportionately impacted communities.
Join us on Saturday, April 11 between 10:00 – 2:00 PM. This year’s event will take place at Market Creek Plaza, accessible via Euclid Avenue Station. Stop by Circulate’s table to learn more about our programs and the work we’ve been up to!
For more information, contact [email protected]
Upcoming Bike Audits!
With Bike Month around the corner, the Circulate team has been busy planning for our Bike Audits.
Join us this Saturday, April 4th at 10:00 am for a 4-mile ride around North Park and University Heights. In collaboration with BikeSD, we will be going over existing cycling conditions and opportunities to improve safety around the schools in this area. We will be meeting at North Park Community Park at the intersection of Polk Avenue and Idaho Street.
We also have our next audit on Saturday, May 9th at 10:00 am in collaboration with Groundwork San Diego-Chollas Creek. We will be cycling for 5.5 miles from their office to Barrio Logan.
Stay tune for more information, and RSVP on our calendar for these upcoming bike audits!
Circulate Discusses E-Bikes with KPBS
Aria Grossman, Policy Manager at Circulate Planning & Policy, joined KPBS’s Jade Hindmon to discuss electric bicycles (E-Bikes).
As the City of San Diego considers new restrictions on use of Class One and Class Two E-Bikes for children, it’s important that we all have a common understanding of what these devices can do.
Aria spoke with KPBS about the different types of E-Bikes and some of the related state and local legislative proposals. Aria and Jade spoke about SB 1167, introduced by Senator Catherine Blakespear, which Circulate is a proud supporter of! The bill would crack down on the deceptive marketing of electric vehicles that are not street legal E-Bikes.
AB 2433 Advances Unanimously Out of the Assembly Housing Committee
Last week, AB 2433, the Affordable Homes Bonus Law, advanced unanimously out of the Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development. Circulate Planning & Policy is the lead sponsor of this legislation, which modernizes California Bonus Law to incentivize more affordable homes.
Colin Parent joined Assemblymember David Alvarez in Sacramento to testify in support of the bill before the Committee. Next up, the Assembly Local Government Committee on April 15!
Preview for our next big report – April 10th
On April 10th, Circulate Planning & Policy will publish our newest major report titled "Win-Win Bonus." The report will document the success of California's Bonus Law, which is the most widely used housing streamlining policy in the state.
Circulate has led on Bonus Law reform in the last decade, sponsoring two successful bills, Assembly Bill 2345 in 2020, and Assembly Bill 1287 in 2023. We are also sponsoring another major update this year with Assembly Bill 2433.
You can sign up below to get a sneak-peak preview to read this groundbreaking report.
Dating App: Missed Connections!
Did you get excited to download Missed Connections yesterday?
For April Fools’, we “launched” a dating app for people who care about transit, housing, and how cities grow. Think matches based on proximity to transit lines, a Parking Attitude Index, and a handy option to filter out NIMBYs.
We’re guessing a few of you clicked to download. Maybe one or two even started thinking about what your profile would look like. All jokes aside, Circulate is focused on expanding reliable transit, building more homes near jobs and transit, and creating neighborhoods where it’s easier to get around and connect to opportunity.
There’s a lot to do to make San Diego the region we want it to be.
If you’re with us, consider making a donation to support the work ahead.
Circulate News
San Diego approves lower speed limits; advocates question impact without infrastructure changes, KPBS, March 21, 2026
List of La Jolla streets set for speed limit reductions gets mixed reactions from locals, La Jolla Light, March 22, 2026
Study: Clarifying California’s Vague Definition of Transit Stops Could Make 1.3M Acres Eligible for Density Bonuses, Planetizen, March 22, 2026
SkyLINE Affordable Housing Community Completion Celebrated at Rancho Bernardo Transit Station, GlobeNewsWire, March 23, 2026
After deadly crashes, Pacific Beach plans murals to slow drivers, Beach & Bay Pres, March 24, 2026
Not so fast on lower speed limits in San Diego, Axios San Diego, March 25, 2026
LA Delays State TOD Law to 2030 With its Own, Lower-density Plan, Planetizen, March 26, 2026
New affordable housing project coming to East Village, steps from busy transit hub, MSN, March 30, 2026
Lessons from California’s SB 79 and Its Application to LA, Bruin Political Review, March 29, 2026
15 San Diego intersections are especially deadly for pedestrians, MSN, March 31, 2026
