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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Davida Garcia published Letter of Support: Proposed Legislative Budget Actions and Additional Needs for Transit Operations Funding in Policy Letters 2023-06-05 12:30:19 -0700
Letter of Support: Proposed Legislative Budget Actions and Additional Needs for Transit Operations Funding
Circulate submitted a letter reaffirming our support for the proposed legislative budget actions and additional needs for transit operations. Read the letter here.
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Circulator - 05/26/2023
Intro Spotlight: Zack DeFazio-Farrell
Join us in welcoming our new Legal Intern, Zack DeFazio-Farrell! As is our tradition, we interviewed Zack so our supporters and members can get to know him.
To read his intro/spotlight,
SAVE THE DATE: Circulate’s Summer Membership Mixer
Join Circulate staff, local decision-makers, and professionals in the land use and transportation space for Circulate’s summer membership mixer.
We excited to return to Park & Rec. Located along Park Blvd. in University Heights with new bike facilities and bus-only lanes we highly encourage you all to ditch your car and roll, walk, and transit to our summer event.
All 2023 individual and corporate members join for free.
Nominations are Open!
Nominations are now open for Circulate San Diego’s annual Momentum Awards. Our Momentum Awards honor the people and projects in the San Diego region that are advancing excellent mobility choices and vibrant, healthy neighborhoods.
Categories include:
Safe Streets and Vision Zero Award
Public Transit Connectivity Award
Sustainable Growth Award
Innovation Award
Advocate Award
Public Voice Award
Mid-Coast Award
Learn about award criteria and nominate your favorite project, agency, company, or individual by 5:00 pm on June 30th, 2023. You are encouraged to self-nominate and to nominate a client's project.
Action Alert: Send an email supporting more homes and bus lanes in the University Community Plan Update!
After investing $2.2 billion, San Diego has an opportunity to Make the Most of the Mid-Coast Trolley by planning for homes, jobs, and transportation options in the University Community Plan Update. The Trolley and the plan update can be a catalyst for equitable and sustainable economic growth.
The City needs to hear your voice in support of homes and bus lanes in the University Community Plan Update.
Bike Anywhere Day 2023 Recap
This past May 18th, 2023 was San Diego’s annual Bike Anywhere Day from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Circulate co-hosted a booth with Rick Engineering in their parking lot on Friars Road. The team distributed Bike Anywhere Day t-shirts, snacks, and refreshments for the bicyclists that stopped by.
In addition to this, Circulate hosted an area for bicyclists to discuss why they love walking/biking as well as sharing what makes them feel most vulnerable when near the streets. Participants had the opportunity to be photographed or record a short video on their experience.
For more on the project and to view the pictures taken, check out our website here.
REACH OUTREACH at Lincoln High School
Circulate San Diego was invited back to Lincoln High School for their Big Night Student Exhibition and Resource Fair where we had the opportunity to speak with Lincoln High School students and parents on the proposed roundabouts and other safe streets improvements on Imperial Avenue. These proposed changes are part of our ongoing project the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health Program (REACH) in South East San Diego.
Parents and students alike discussed with us what would make it safer for students to commute to school via walking or biking, especially along Imperial Avenue, and they advocated for protected bicycle lanes, more street lighting, and enforcing traffic laws in order to reduce speeding vehicles around schools. It was an informative experience to speak with everyone who provided us with insight on current conditions and likewise educating people on how to navigate through roundabouts and other future safe streets changes.
circulate news
Policy Letter: Updated Coalition Letter: University Community Plan Environmental Impact Report Scoping, May 9, 2023
Media Advisory - Press Conference: City of San Diego’s Proposed Budget Requires Additional Funding for Vision Zero, May 9, 2023
PRESS RELEASE: Advocates and Councilmembers Urge Mayor to Increase Funding for Vision Zero, May 11, 2023
Coalition Letter: Request to Protect Public Transit in FY 2023-24 State Budget, May 11, 2023
Policy Letter: Support for Normal Street Promenade, May 19, 2023
Coalition Letter: YIMBY Act, May 19, 2023
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Davida Garcia published Intro Spotlight: Zack DeFazio-Farrell in Blog Posts 2023-05-26 10:50:45 -0700
Intro Spotlight: Zack DeFazio-Farrell
In keeping with our tradition of interviewing new team members, we asked our new Legal Intern, Zack DeFazio-Farrell a few questions...
Read more -
Coalition Letter: YIMBY Act
Circulate submitted a letter reaffirming our support for the Yes in My Backyard (YIMBY) Act in the 118th Congress. This bipartisan legislation is vital for encouraging communities to build more affordable and market-rate housing. Read the full letter here.
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Circulator - 05/12/2023
- Action Alert: Send an email supporting more homes and bus lanes in the University Community Plan Update!
- Circulate and Families for Safe Streets San Diego Keep the Pressure on for Vision Zero
- Circulate submits letter with new supporters and testifies for more homes in University City
- Asm. Alvarez at Advisory Circle Dinner
- Park and El Cajon Boulevard Walking Field Trip
- Advocating for Safer Streets
- Circulate News
Action Alert: Send an email supporting more homes and bus lanes in the University Community Plan Update!
After investing $2.2 billion, San Diego has an opportunity to Make the Most of the Mid-Coast Trolley by planning for homes, jobs, and transportation options in the University Community Plan Update. The Trolley and the plan update can be a catalyst for equitable and sustainable economic growth.
The City needs to hear your voice in support of homes and bus lanes in the University Community Plan Update.
Circulate and Families for Safe Streets San Diego Keep the Pressure on for Vision Zero
Circulate San Diego and Families for Safe Streets San Diego hosted a press conference that featured San Diego City Councilmembers Kent Lee, Joe LaCava, and Raul Campillo, as well as Families for Safe Streets San Diego members Laura Keenan and Steve Shinn. The speakers urged the Mayor to include additional funding for Vision Zero in the May Revision of the Proposed Budget. Watch the video and read the press release.
Circulate also sent an updated coalition letter regarding Vision Zero funding in the budget. None of the asks from our previous budget letter were included in the Mayor’s Proposed Budget, despite several of them achieving majority support in Councilmember budget memos.
Circulate submits letter with new supporters and testifies for more homes in University City
Circulate policy counsel Jesse O’Sullivan testified in favor of more homes and new bus lanes in the University Community Plan Update at the City of San Diego’s planning commission on Thursday.
Circulate also updated our letter on the Plan Update with two new supporters – the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council and Our Time to Act United. Our coalition now represents housing activists, climate activists, business organizations, students, and labor.
Asm. Alvarez at Advisory Circle Dinner
Last week, Circulate convened our fourth meeting of our Advisory Circle. Invitees included our region’s land use and mobility leaders, and financial supporters. Our Advisory Circle formed to inform the work of Circulate San Diego. Members meet annually to review Circulate’s efforts, and to seek input on what opportunities and priorities we should address in the coming year.
This year we welcomed special guest Assemblymember David Alvarez. Throughout his career, Assemblymember Alvarez has been a champion for affordable housing, the natural environment, healthcare, and historically disadvantaged communities.
Assemblymember Alvarez’s bill, AB1287, would expand California Density Bonus Law by creating a new "Middle Income Bonus Program." That program would encourage housing developers to maximize existing incentives to construct deed-restricted affordable units, and to provide additional deed-restricted moderate-income units. We are thrilled to co-sponsor this important bill with our partners SPUR and the Bay Area Council. Learn More and Endorse AB1287.
Want to join our Advisory Circle? Membership is open to our Gold, Platinum, & Benefactor Members. To join or renew visit our Corporate Membership page.
Park and El Cajon Boulevard Walking Field Trip
On April 28th, Circulate was joined by Walk n Roll San Diego and other members of the community to walk down El Cajon Boulevard. Participants started on the corner of Park Boulevard and walked to Idaho Street and back. The walk was approximately 1.5 miles, with multiple stops, and participants were given a mapping tool to annotate along the way.
Some of the observations included walking obstacles such as missing curb ramps, steep inclines, flooding, and trash. While it was a pleasant walk with ample tree shading, local business frontages, and company from other participants, the observations showed that participants would like to see improved sidewalk conditions, public trash cans, and bus shelters to make it a completely leisurely walk.
To see Circulate’s on the spot interview with Univision, click here!
Advocating for Safer Streets
In 2018, Circulate took an important step in promoting our Vision Zero campaign by releasing a list of San Diego's most hazardous intersections. Last week, our CEO Colin Parent met with CBS8 at one of these intersections to update the public on the progress we have made, as well as the areas where we still need to improve.
Despite our efforts, people are still getting injured on our streets. We have a long way to go to ensure the safety that our community deserves. Through strategic policy changes such as lowering speed limits and redesigning streets, we can make our roads more accessible to all users, especially the most vulnerable.
Policy change alone is not enough, which is why Circulate is implementing creative educational and engagement programs to help us achieve our Vision Zero goals. We believe that this multi-faceted approach is key to creating a safer and more sustainable city for everyone.
circulate news
Research and development building approved for Oceanside’s El Corazon, The San Diego Union Tribune, April 15, 2023
Potential of high-density housing prompts debate in University City, Fox5, April 18, 2023
San Diego’s Housing Action Plan 2.0 stirs debate with SB 10 implementation, CBS8, April 20, 2023
Is Vision Zero working? Pedestrian and bicycle deaths spike despite San Diego's efforts to zero them out, CBS8, May 5, 2023
Is San Diego's effort to stop traffic deaths failing?, YouTube, May 5, 2023
Letter: Support for Carlsbad Boulevard Intersection Improvements, May 1, 2023
Letter: Support for the City of San Diego’s Boston Avenue Linear Park Proposal, May 1, 2023
Letter: Support for the City of San Diego’s East Village Community Development Project, May 1, 2023
Coalition Letter: Proposed Budget Lacks Sufficient Funding for Vision Zero, May 3, 2023
Action Alert: Support Homes and Bus Lanes in the University Community Plan Update, May 3, 2023
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Circulator - 04/28/2023
- Circulate is Hiring for Various Positions!
- Promotion Spotlight: Carlisle Dockery
- Save the Date – Circulate Momentum Awards on September 21, 2023
- Advocating for more homes and better transit in University City
- Transit Field Trips with The Keeler Court Community
- Recap: Lincoln High School Walk Audit
- Circulate News
Circulate is Hiring for Various Positions!
Circulate San Diego is hiring for two (2) positions:
Position:Policy Manager or Director of Policy
Hours:Full time, Salaried (some evening & weekend work required)Supervisor:Chief Executive Officer
Compensation:Manager level: $75,000 – 90,000; Director level: $100,000 to $115,000
Start Date:May 2023The position is responsible for advancing policy goals of a prominent local think tank, including through research, direct advocacy, and the press. This position supports the organization and the Chief Executive Officer with the development and implementation of policy campaigns related to transit, safe streets, and sustainable growth.
Position:Mid-Level Associate Planner and Community Engagement Specialist
Hours:Full time, Salaried (some evening and weekend work required)
Supervisor:Director of Planning
Salary Range:$65,000 – $80,000
Desired Start Date:May 2023This position is part of our dynamic planning and community engagement team. The new teammate will help Circulate to effectively deliver and manage mobility and community outreach projects. As a nonprofit think tank, Circulate uses advocacy, research, planning, and community outreach to advance our mission of creating excellent mobility choices, and vibrant healthy neighborhoods. Our planning and community engagement team performs a variety of creative outreach efforts to support mobility planning in partnership with local governments, schools, charities, and the private sector.
Circulate San Diego values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. Women, people of color, people with disabilities, and gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people are encouraged to apply.
Interested applicants should e-mail a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and any relevant work product examples to [email protected], and with the position title in the subject line. No phone calls please.
Promotion Spotlight: Carlisle Dockery
We are excited to announce Carlisle Dockery has been promoted to our new Director of Planning and Community Engagement!
She has served an integral role in the planning team since she joined Circulate in 2021 and continues to be an asset in the overarching tasks she is challenged with.
We look forward to having her lead the Planning Team!
Save the Date – Circulate Momentum Awards on September 21, 2023
Circulate’s annual momentum awards are scheduled for Thursday, September 21, 2023.
NEW IN 2023 we will start the party off with a Special VIP Reception for Gold Level and higher Corporate Members / Sponsors and keep the party going with a Post Awards Happy Hour until 9:30 PM.
Stay tuned – Nominations for this year’s Momentum Awards open Monday, May 15th at 8am!
Advocating for more homes and better transit in University City
Last Tuesday, Circulate’s Policy Counsel, Jesse O’Sullivan, spoke in favor of more homes in the University Community Plan Update. This is a part of our continuing efforts around our report Making the Most of the Mid-Coast.
Transit Field Trips with The Keeler Court Community
This past week, Circulate hosted a series of transit field trips for Community HousingWorks' Keeler Court community. The purpose of these trips was to teach the residents how to use San Diego’s public transportation such as the buses and trolleys and showcase examples of locations that could be reached with public transit.
Through these trips, the Keeler Court residents were able to visit and experience San Diego State’s campus, experience the Padre’s victory over the Atlanta Braves on April 19th, and experience some beautiful wildlife at the Living Coast Discovery Center in Chula Vista.
We had a lot of fun hosting these and hope we can do some more in the near future!
Recap: Lincoln High School Walk Audit
Last Friday, Lincoln High School students participated in a walk audit along Imperial Avenue to provide feedback on what safe street changes they would like to see implemented in their community and shared their opinions on other project proposals by the County and City of San Diego. One project, Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health Program (REACH), proposes a series of roundabouts and other safe streets improvements along Imperial Avenue in South East San Diego between San Jacinto Drive and 55th Street. Other proposed changes include installing a bicycle lane between 47th and 49th Street.
The walk was approximately a mile long, between 49th street and San Jacinto Drive, and near multiple schools in the area. Students expressed their concerns on faded crosswalks, wanted more pedestrian scale lighting, and additional bus shelters for harsh weather conditions.
We are thankful for those who joined us on the hot Friday afternoon and for their insight as members of the community!
circulate news
City works to address safer streets for all, Fox5, April 13, 2023
Local organization fights back against City of San Diego housing plan with lawsuit, Fox 5, April 13, 2023
Potential of high-density housing prompts debate in University City, Fox5, April 18, 2023
Coalition Letter: Support More Homes in University Community Plan Update, April 14, 2023
Letter: Support for SB 713 - Density Bonus, April 17, 2023
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Circulator - 04/14/2023
- Action Opportunity: University Community Plan Update
- 4th Annual Advisory Circle Dinner with Asm. David Alvarez
- Project Wrap-Up: Lincoln Cluster Clean Mobility in Schools
- Circulate at Peace in the Park!
- Getting involved in Community Planning
- Circulate Advocates for Middle Income Bonus bill
- Join the Final Community Forum on the Future of Convoy St in the Convoy District!
- Circulate News
Action Opportunity: University Community Plan Update
On Tuesday, April 18th at 6 p.m., the first draft of the updated University Community Plan will be presented. We need you to attend and make your voice heard – we need more homes in University City!
The meeting will be in-person at University City High School.
Read our latest letter here.
4th Annual Advisory Circle Dinner with Asm. David Alvarez
Circulate is convening our fourth annual meeting of ourAdvisory Circle. Invitees include financial supporters and leaders in the region for land use and mobility.
The purpose of the Advisory Circle is to inform the work of Circulate San Diego. Members meet annually to review Circulate’s efforts, and to seek input on what opportunities and priorities we should address in the coming year.
Invitations are extended to key supporter of Circulate San Diego, including our 2023 Gold Level Corporate Member and higher.
To join us for a private Advisory Circle dinner with Special Guest Assemblymember David Alvarez please join or renew your Corporate Membership!
Project Wrap-Up: Lincoln Cluster Clean Mobility in Schools
Last month, Circulate officially wrapped up our work on the Lincoln Cluster Clean Mobility in Schools program after several years. Since 2021, we have collaborated with CARB, SDUSD, CALSTART, and many more organizations seeking to improve air quality for residents of Southeast San Diego. Circulate provided project support on education and outreach tasks relating to active transportation.
Throughout the course of this project, Circulate coordinated the distribution of and training on 32 electric bicycles, held 20 pedestrian safety assemblies reaching more than 1,700 students, designed a 40-foot long remote control traffic calming course and deployed it at two demonstration events, created the project branding logo, gave out thousands of incentive items (stickers, Camelbak water bottles, hats, skateboards, tote bags, bike bells, bike lights, etc.), and built a free interactive online Safe Routes to School mapping tool for students, families, and staff to utilize for trip planning purposes.
Circulate at Peace in the Park!
This past weekend, Circulate attended the Peace in the Park event at Mountain View Park to share resources and other projects that we have been working on.
One project, Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health Program (REACH), displays a series of roundabouts and other safe streets improvements that are being proposed on Imperial Avenue in South East San Diego. We had the pleasure of interacting with many families and asking them what improvements they would like to see, such as: more pedestrian lighting, bike lanes, and wider sidewalks.
San Diego will start to see more roundabout installations in the next decade, so we were glad to help educate people on the safety and environmental benefits of roundabouts.!
Getting involved in Community Planning
On March 30, and April 4, Circulate hosted two zoom events discussing how to get involved in community planning – through community planning groups and beyond. Recordings of the lunch and learn and webinar are now available on youtube.
Topics addressed included:
- What avenues are there for getting involved in the planning process?
- What is a CPG and what is its role in the planning process?
- What changed with CPG reform?
- How is the City of San Diego updating its community outreach policies?
Circulate Advocates for Middle Income Bonus bill
On Wednesday, Circulate CEO and General Counsel Colin Parent testified to the California State Assembly on the benefits of AB 1287, which would provide a Middle Income Density Bonus. The same day, Circulate Policy Counsel Jesse O’Sullivan testified at the Coastal Commission in support of the same bill.
Circulate is a sponsor and the bill is authored by Assemblymember David Alvarez.
Read more about AB 1287 and sign on to support here!
Join the Final Community Forum on the Future of Convoy St in the Convoy District!
Join us on May 3, 2023, at 1 PM for the final Convoy Street community forum as repaving begins to receive construction information and tentative timelines for the road repair and installation of the bike facilities.
Presented in partnership with the City of San Diego's Sustainability and Mobility, Transportation, and Engineering and Capital Projects Departments, the forum will also look at mobility in the Convoy District and a variety of holistic ways to implement the parking management solutions identified in the finalized parking study.
RSVP for either the online meeting or the in-person option in Kearny Mesa.
circulate news
Vision Zero Under the Microscope: Why Aren’t Road Fatalities at 0 Yet?, Streetsblog, March 29, 2023
Capturing the Real Value of Transit-Oriented Development, California YIMBY, March 30, 2023
How San Diego Kicked Off an Affordable ADU Building Boom, March 30, 2023
California YIMBYChampion cyclist Ethan Boyes killed in San Francisco accident, Fox 5, April 7, 2023
Local organization fights back against City of San Diego housing plan with lawsuit, Fox5, April 12, 2023
Join Circulate & help make our parks more accessible, April 5, 2023
Letter: Support for Senate Bill 689 – Bicycle facilities on our Coast, April 11, 2023
Coalition Letter: Support for AB 1287 - Middle Income Housing Density Bonus, April 11, 2023
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Circulator - 03/03/2023
Circulate Sponsors Middle Income Bonus Bill, AB 1287
On February 24th, Circulate joined Assemblymember David Alvarez to announce the introduction of his middle income bonus bill. The bill is sponsored by Circulate San Diego, SPUR, and the Bay Area Council.
The bill, number AB 1287, would build on existing state density bonus law by allowing even greater bonuses if a developer maxes out the existing density bonus law, and creates homes affordable to middle-income families.
Circulate Presentation at the City of San Diego’s Active Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
Circulate San Diego’s Executive Director and General Counsel Colin Parent was invited to testify at the City of San Diego.
Circualte released its initial report on Vision Zero in 2015. In that time, it has become a major goal for the City and its elected officials. Circulate has also partnered with the San Diego Police Department and the California Office of Traffic Safety to provide education and encouragement for street safety through a series of annual grants.Mid-Coast Report Wrap Up
On February 14th, Circulate San Diego released our latest report, "Making the Most of the Mid-Coast Trolley."
The report was announced at a press conference where Circulate staff were joined by Congressman Scott Peters, as well as supporters from the life science industry and university community.
With the completion of Mid-Coast Trolley Extension, the San Diego Region has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow its biotech economy, connect homes to jobs, and to address climate change. Circulate San Diego is publishing a report that outlines and advocates for a robust update to nearby land use rules like the University Community Plan (UCPG), improved feeder bus and bicycle facilities, and other supportive policies. The effort will drive public and press discussions to support more development and smart growth in the area.
Special thank you our valued report sponsors: Alexandria Real Estate, BioMed Realty, UCSD, San Diego Association of Realtors, F & F Income Properties, Garden Communities, IQHQ, Mid-Coast Transit Constructors, Protea Properties, ShopCore, Kimley-Horn, and Bartell Hotels
Lunch and Learn: Making the Most of the Mid-Coast Trolley
Circulate hosted a lunch and learn event about our latest report, Making the Most of the Mid-Coast Trolley. The report gives recommendations for how to improve economic growth, climate action, and equitable outcomes by allowing growth and building infrastructure near the Mid-Coast Trolley.
The presentation was a great success! We had over 60 attendees, including staff for some of our elected officials.
Boston Avenue Park Groundbreaking THIS Saturday
This Saturday, March 4th, from 10 AM to 12 PM please join Circulate at 2900 Boston Avenue in Barrio Logan for the groundbreaking ceremony of a brand new park.
Boston Avenue Linear Park will be constructed in an area of San Diego that greatly needs improved access to green space, and we’ll be conducting a variety of engagement activities to learn more about what residents would like to see in terms of traffic calming, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and placemaking.
Organized by the Environmental Health Coalition, this event will kick off the construction process of a linear park advocated for and designed by Logan residents several years ago.
Circulate will be in attendance supporting this groundbreaking as well as gathering community input on our Safe Routes to Parks project, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Circulate News
Contention building over San Diego proposal set to address housing, transit issues, Fox5, February 13, 2023
More Housing, Jobs in University City Seen Key to Success of Trolley Extension, Times of San Diego, February 13, 2023
San Diego City Council passes plan for sustainable development areas, CBS 8, February 14, 2023
With San Diego's Mid-Coast Trolley Extension Complete, Focus Turns to Economic Potential Along Route, NBC7, February 14, 2023
Planners seek input on Oceanside Transit Center redevelopment, North Coast Current, February 17, 2023
Circulate San Diego releases report: Making the Most of the Mid-Coast Trolley, SDNews.com, February 22, 2023
San Diego Expands Transit Oriented Zoning From a Half-Mile to a Mile, Planetizen, February 23, 2023
San Diego’s new housing policies aim to boost racial integration, reverse lingering effects of redlining, The San Diego Union Tribune, February 25, 2023
Bill offers incentives to build middle income housing, KPBS, February 28, 2023Media Monitoring Suite, TVEyes, February 28, 2023
Circulate San Diego Exec. Director Colin Parent testifies at Calif. Legislature, Calls for Improved Transit, east County Magazine, March 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE: Circulate San Diego Releases Report “Making the Most of the Mid-Coast Trolley”, February 14, 2023
Press Release: Circulate San Diego Executive Director Colin Parent Testifies in California Legislature on the Future of Transit Funding, February 28, 2023
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Davida Garcia published Press Release: Circulate San Diego Executive Director Colin Parent Testifies in California Legislature on the Future of Transit Funding in Press Room 2023-02-28 12:33:56 -0800
Press Release: Circulate San Diego Executive Director Colin Parent Testifies in California Legislature on the Future of Transit Funding
Press Release - February 28, 2023
Contact: Colin Parent
[email protected] | (619) 567-6856CIRCULATE SAN DIEGO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COLIN PARENT TESTIFIES IN CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE ON THE FUTURE OF TRANSIT FUNDING
Yesterday Circulate San Diego Executive Director Colin Parent testified to a joint hearing of the Assembly Transportation and Senate Transportation Committees in the California State Legislature.
Parent was invited to speak on a panel of transit stakeholders, to discuss the funding
issues facing transit agencies throughout California. After the COVID-19 pandemic,
transit ridership has declined, reducing fare revenues, and forcing transit agencies to
consider reducing bus and train schedules.Archived video from the hearing will be posted online here:
https://www.assembly.ca.gov/media-archive.Below is the testimony Parent provided to the California Legislature:
Good afternoon. My name is Colin Parent. I am the Vice Mayor of the City of La Mesa. I
am also the executive Director and General Counsel for the nonprofit think tank
Circulate San Diego.Circulate San Diego is a leading voice in our region about transit, safe streets, and
sustainable growth.We’ve published numerous research reports on public transit and mobility. And we’ve
waged and won numerous campaigns to improve service and access for transit riders
in San Diego.Public transit in California serves a lot of functions. It’s a major component of the state
and local efforts to address climate change. Transit is a major employer, with lots of bus
drivers, mechanics, and more, with good union jobs.But the most important thing that transit does, is to serve the interests of transit riders.
And if we are going to live up to our ideals as progressives and as advocates for transit
riders, we have an obligation to listen to those transit riders.The national nonprofit TransitCenter conducts a periodic survey of current and potential transit riders. That data routinely shows that the top priority of transit riders nation-wide is the frequency of transit service, and the overall speed of transit trips.
In my back yard, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System conducts a similar survey,
and it finds the same results.Transit riders say they are concerned with quality service, above other considerations
like the availability of parking, or the overall cost of transit fares.This makes perfect sense if you’re putting yourself in the shoes of a low-income transit
rider. Telling a worker who gets paid by the hour that you’re going to save them save them the cost of a $2.50 fare, is cold comfort, if that fare is for a bus ride that takes two hours. They would be able to earn more money if so much of their day wasn’t eaten up by a burdensome, long bus commute.By almost any measure, driving is more expensive than taking transit. Yet many people
choose to drive, despite the higher costs.So the way to attract new transit riders is not to lower fares, which are already
substantially lower than the cost of driving.Instead, the way to attract more transit riders is to improve the quality of service, so that
it is more competitive with the car. That means running buses and trains more
frequently, and across more hours in the day. That also means funding bus-only lanes so that the bus is faster and more competitive with driving.Circulate San Diego collected a number of these recommendations for how to improve
transit service in our recently-published report titled “Fast Bus!”As California transit agencies are facing a looming fiscal cliff, the legislature should be
looking at ways to ensure that transit service is maintained, and improved.Investing in service can bring back riders, and rebuild transit agencies’ financial
sustainability.There are some important options for the legislature to consider for helping transit
agencies maintain and improve service.First, the legislature provided billions in new capital dollars for transit in last year’s
budget. The legislature should amend that allocation and allow local agencies to use
that funding for operations and service. That is the priority for transit riders.
California has some innovating funding mechanisms for transit, including the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program, or AHSC.The AHSC program uses Cap-and-Trade revenue to fund affordable housing
developments, if they’re paired with improvements to transit. But the money currently
only can be used to fund new transit capital costs.This can make transit agencies resist participating in AHCS applications. They don’t
want new transit lines built, if they don’t have any new monies to pay for ongoing
operations.The legislature should amend the AHSC program to allow those funds to pay for transit
operations, not just capital. That will allow the program to fund the priorities of transit
riders. And it will transform transit agencies from reluctant participates, into enthusiastic ones.In summation, I want to invite the legislators here today to prioritize the interests, and
preferences of transit riders.Transit riders say that frequency and speed are their priority. Studies show that high
quality transit service attracts riders, and revenues.
Let’s help transit agencies succeed, by helping transit riders themselves.###
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Circulator - 02/17/2023
Circulate Releases Report “Making the Most of the Mid-Coast Trolley”
On February 14th, Circulate launched its report “Making the Most of the Mid-Coast Trolley.” Congressman Scott Peters was the keynote speaker of the event.
At a cost of $2.2 billion, the Mid-Coast Trolley Extension is the largest single transit investment in San Diego’s history. This investment is already generating economic activity, increased access to employment and climate-friendly travel. But San Diego should be getting even more.
The report offers practical solutions for how the region can get the most “bang for its buck” from its investment in the Mid-Coast Trolley Extension. These solutions would allow more homes and jobs near the Trolley, and improve connectivity via bus, bicycle and walking – to the benefit of the entire region.
Thank you for joining us at our February Mixer!
Thanks to everyone who attended yesterday’s Membership Mixer!
Thank you Alexandria for hosting us at their beautiful, state of the art GradLabs building.
Special thank you Councilmember Kent Lee for offering remarks. We look forward to our continued collaboration to build more homes, make our streets safer for pedestrians and walkers, and to build fast and accessible transit.
We especially want to thank all of our corporate sponsors and individual members who attended. Together we are making San Diego a better place to live, work, and move around!
Don’t miss our next membership event. Become a Circulate Member, today!
CIRCULATE NOMINATED for 2023 CREATE THE FUTURE AWARD
We are excited to share that Circulate San Diego has been nominated for a Downtown Partnership’s Diversity, Equity And Inclusion Create The Future Award.
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award is presented to a company or organization in recognition of their active steps to build a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable climate within their organization and/or community.
We are honored to have been nominated for a 2023 Downtown Partnership CREATE THE FUTURE Award in recognition of our Multi-Modal Campaign in partnership with Father Joe's Village. Our aim was to remove transportation barriers for underserved residents of downtown, with the goal of creating a more inclusive, vibrant, and interconnected community.
Success! City of San Diego adopts SDAs
After extensive advocacy from Circulate San Diego, the City of San Diego adopted Sustainable Development Areas (SDAs). The policy will expand the area in which housing programs like Complete Communities and the ADU bonus program can be used.
The change will result in more homes near transit for San Diegans.
Circulate initiallyopposed the proposal because of fair housing concerns. The City updated its proposal to expand SDAs and address fair housing concerns. After that, Circulate sent aletter of support, organized an email campaign, and organized supporters to speak in favor at City Council.
The proposal passed 5-4.
RECAP: 2nd Annual Southeast San Diego Transportation Expo
Last weekend, Circulate had the pleasure of participating in Urban Collaborative Project’s 2nd Annual Southeast San Diego Transportation Expo. Hosted at Gompers Preparatory Academy, this event had dozens of organizations providing resources and activities focused on clean mobility, active transportation, and health. People of all ages brought their bikes, scooters, skateboards, and even rollerskates to participate in bike rodeos and skills courses, and enjoyed entering giveaways and dining from food trucks.
Circulate’s participation in this event was funded by the California Air Resources Board’s Clean Mobility in Schools project, which brings clean technology to the neighborhood, helps reduce air pollution, and improves the air quality within the Southeast community. Our station included an interactive remote control traffic calming course, an artistic chalk-filled crosswalk, and a wide variety of prizes ranging from bike bells and tote bags to baseball caps and skateboards. Thanks to all who came out and supported this event!
Lincoln High Student E-Bike Distribution and Rodeo
On Thursday, February 9th the first cohort of eligible Lincoln High School senior students received free PEDEGO electric bicycles, Thousand helmets, and Kryptonite U-locks and cable locks as part of the California Air Resource Board’s (CARB) Clean Mobility in Schools pilot project.
The San Diego Unified School District purchased these bikes using the grant’s funding, and will loan them out to individual students for the remainder of the school year. Twenty total Lincoln High senior students will receive these e-bikes before the end of this month. Circulate got to coordinate the distribution event, conduct a bike safety presentation, and set up a fun rodeo/skills course to get the students acclimated to biking in different scenarios before they head off on their adventures!
Circulate news
San Diego Selected for $680,000 Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant, Times of San Diego, February 1, 2023
USDOT Announces First Grants from its Safe Streets and Roads for All Program, STREETSBLOGCAL, February 2, 2023
Talking Headways Podcast: Get on the Fast Bus!, STREETSBLOGUSA, February 2, 2023
Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for Affordable Housing Complex in Downtown La Mesa, East County Magazine, February 3 2023
More Housing, For Us and Our Climate, The Guardian, February 6, 2023
Opinion: San Diego can end overreliance on cars with bike, mass transit, pedestrian infrastructure, The San Diego Union Tribune, February 10, 2023
Politics Report: Political Dominoes Could Fall in 2024, Voice of San Diego, February 11, 2023
Contention building over San Diego proposal set to address housing, transit issues, Fox5, February 13, 2023
Debate brewing over San Diego’s proposed ‘Sustainable Development Areas’, CBS 8, February 12, 2023
Badly needed homes, or ‘infill sprawl?’ City approves controversial plan for high-rises farther from transit, The San Diego Union Tribune, February 14, 2023
San Diego City Council changes boundaries for some housing incentive programs, KPBS, February 15, 2023KPBS Evening Edition, YouTube, February 15, 2023
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Davida Garcia published Policy Letter: 2024 Homeownership Budget Priorities in Policy Letters 2023-02-09 11:28:07 -0800
Policy Letter: 2024 Homeownership Budget Priorities
On February 3, 2023, Circulate San Diego joined The Home Builders Alliance (HBA) support letter for maintaining the current budget investments in California's housing shortage. Click here to read the full letter!
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Circulator - 02/03/2023
- BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Melanie Cohn
- Circulate’s February Membership Mixer
- STAY TUNED- Next report coming out THIS MONTH
- 2nd Annual Gompers Transportation Expo
- Colin Parent talks Fast Bus!, SANDAG, and VMT fees on the “Talking Headways” podcast.
- Take the Trolley or Ride your Bike to the February Mixer
- Circulate News
BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Melanie Cohn
Circulate is led by a passionate and dedicated group of volunteer Board of Directors, throughout the year we will spotlight these folks.
Melanie Cohn is Circulate’s Board Secretary. As the Sr. Director, Regional Policy & Government Affairs at Biocom California, Melanie brings a wealth of knowledge of government policy, San Diego's life science sector, and community connections to Circulate's Board and Policy Committee.
Thank you, Melanie, for your dedication to Circulate and the San Diego region.
Circulate’s February Membership Mixer
Join Circulate staff, local decision-makers, and professionals in the land use and transportation space for Circulate’s first membership mixer in 2023 to celebrate the release of our next big report: Making the Most of the Mid-Coast.
We are pleased to announce that we will be joined by newly elected Councilmember Kent Lee.
Thank you, Alexandria Real Estate for hosting us for the evening at your state-of-the-art GradLabs building at Campus Point.
Current 2023 individual and corporate members join for free.
STAY TUNED- Next report coming out THIS MONTH
This month, Circulate San Diego is releasing its next big report: Making the Most of the Mid-Coast.
With the completion of Mid-Coast Trolley Extension, the San Diego Region has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow its biotech economy, connect homes to jobs, and
to address climate change. Circulate San Diego is publishing a report that outlines and advocates for a robust update to nearby land use rules like the University Community Plan (UCPG), improved feeder bus and bicycle facilities, and other supportive policies. The effort will drive public and press discussions to support more development and smart growth in the area.Check out Colin Parent's, Circulate San Diego Executive Director, Op-Ed outlining our work to Make the Most of the Mid-Coast. Opinion: How the San Diego region can build on new Mid-Coast Trolley (December 13, 2021)
Be one of the first to see the report.
2nd Annual Gompers Transportation Expo
Visit Circulate San Diego's booth on Saturday, February 11th during Urban Collaborative Project’s 2nd Annual Gompers Transportation Expo!
Come learn about clean mobility, active transportation, and resources in Southeast San Diego at Gompers Preparatory Academy (1005 47th Street, San Diego, CA 92102) between 9AM and 1PM next Saturday. Bring your bikes, scooters, and skates and get excited to participate in bike rodeos, enter giveaways, and more.
Circulate’s participation in this event is funded by the California Air Resources Board’s Clean Mobility in Schools project, which brings clean technology to the neighborhood, helps reduce air pollution, and improves the air quality within the Southeast community.
Come check out our station and try our interactive traffic calming remote control course, contribute to our artistic demonstration intersection, and win some cool prizes. The event is free and open to the public!
Colin Parent talks Fast Bus!, SANDAG, and VMT fees on the “Talking Headways” podcast.
This week our Executive Director and General Counsel Colin Parent was interviewed by the “Talking Headways” podcast, one of the leading national podcasts on transit and urban issues.
The interview focused on our recent report “Fast Bus!” about how simple and affordable choices can improve the bus, the workhorse of our region’s transit network.
The interview covered a lot of ground, including what’s good, and what’s not-so-good about SANDAG’s recent transportation plan. And they discuss how the City of San Diego is investing in bus-only lanes, but not in the best locations.You can also listen in to hear about how Circulate’s recent strategic planning effort is shaping how we do our advocacy work. We are doubling-down on our big research efforts, with long-tail implications to drive policy conversation into he future.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and Streetsblog.Take the Trolley or Ride your Bike to the February Mixer
Ride up with Circulate's Executive Director, Colin Parent, and Policy Counsel, Jesse O'Sullivan, for the February mixer! They are meeting at Civic Center Station at 4:40pm. Event starts at 5:30 pm.
Alexandria's GradLabs is conveniently located near the UCSD Health La Jolla Blue Line Station.
There will be bike lockers available, email [email protected] for more information.
Circulate news
Carlsbad launches pledge campaign for safer roadways, KPBS, January 25, 2023
San Diego Affordable Community Breaks Ground, Multi-Housing News, January 26, 2023
MTS welcomes new Board of Directors and new leadership, American Journal of Transportation, January 27, 2023
Opinion: Why the city of San Diego’s new plan has potential to sharply increase home construction, The San Diego Union Tribune, January 30, 2023
Coalition Letter: Caltrans Protected Bikeways, February 1, 2023
Colin Parent talks Fast Bus!, SANDAG, and VMT fees on the “Talking Headways” podcast, February 2, 2023
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Circulator - 01/20/2023
SAVE THE DATE: Circulate’s February Membership Mixer
Join Circulate staff, local decision-makers, and professionals in the land use and transportation space for Circulate’s first membership mixer in 2023 to celebrate the release of our next big report: Making the Most of the Mid-Coast.
Thank you Alexandria Real Estate for hosting us for the evening at your state-of-the-art GradLabs building at Campus Point.
Current 2023 individual and corporate members attend for free!
STAY TUNED - Next report coming out in February
This February, Circulate San Diego is releasing its next big report: Making the Most of the Mid-Coast.
With the completion of the Mid-Coast Trolley Extension, the San Diego Region has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow its biotech economy, connect homes to jobs, and to address climate change.
Circulate San Diego is publishing a report that outlines and advocates for a robust update to nearby land use rules like the University Community Plan (UCPG), improved feeder bus and bicycle facilities, and other supportive policies. The effort will drive public and press discussions to support more development and smart growth in the area.
Check out Colin Parent's, Circulate San Diego Executive Director, Op-Ed outlining our work to Make the Most of the Mid-Coast. Opinion: How the San Diego region can build on new Mid-Coast Trolley (December 13, 2021)
Be one of the first to see the report.
BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Sarah Buchanan
Circulate is led by a passionate and dedicated group of volunteer Board of Directors. The same way we introduce new staff and interns, we will begin spotlighting these folks as well!
We are kicking off the 2023 Board Member Spotlight with our newly elected Board Vice Chair, Sarah Buchanan.
As Executive Vice President at the San Diego Housing Federation, Sarah brings over 15 years of nonprofit and corporate experience to help Circulate create excellent mobility choices and vibrant, healthy neighborhoods.
Thank you, Sarah, for your dedication to Circulate and the San Diego region.
RECAP: Cyclovia Encinitas 2023
The Circulate team had a fantastic time on Sunday, January 8th at the 2023 edition of Cyclovia Encinitas.
While our planners were holding down the fort at the Circulate booth, other team members were exploring the car-free route by bike. For four hours, Highway 101 from D Street to J Street was open to any and all forms of self-powered transportation, and thousands of people of all ages came out to enjoy Encinitas’ vibrant downtown. Octavio would like to give a special shout-out to the sheer volume of skilled toddlers operating strider bikes with confidence!
Thank you to everyone who came by to provide feedback on our informational boards, ask questions about transit, play with our cornhole set, or just say hello—we hope to see you all at future open streets events!
Plans to increase housing by reshaping TPAs' pass Land Use and Housing Committee
The Land Use and Housing Committee voted 3-1 to reshape Transit Priority Areas (and rename then Sustainable Development Areas) to include more housing capacity.
Circulate opposed the original proposal, which would have resulted in less housing capacity in high resource areas. Our letter of opposition resulted in an investigation by the State into our Fair Housing concerns.
Because of our advocacy, the City revised the proposal to include more areas in high resource neighborhoods. We spoke in favor and wrote a letter of support for the new proposal.
circulate news
Residents appeal approval of Ocean Creek transit-oriented housing, The San Diego Union Tribune, January 8, 2023
Proposed San Diego Code Update Seeks to Increase Density Near Transit, Planetizen, January 9, 2023
Sponsored Post: Illegally Parked Cars at Bus Stops Can Make Transit Inaccessible, Streetsblog, January 10, 2023
Oceanside denies appeal of transit-oriented development project. ‘We can’t say no’, The San Diego Union Tribune, January 12, 2023
San Diego Could Soon Get More High Rises and Granny Flats, NBC7, January 12, 2023
This is how one city is creating safer streets, YouTube, January 14, 2023
Final design underway for community park at Oceanside’s El Corazon, The San Diego Union Tribune, January 15, 2023
Here’s what’s being built in Escondido, the San Diego Union Tribune, January 15, 2023
Oceanside approves 295-unit Ocean Creek project near Fire Mountain, The Coast News Group, January 17, 2023
City land use committee okays "Sustainable Development Areas",San Diego Reader, January 17, 2023
San Diego police to launch traffic safety campaign near Westwood Elementary, Rancho Bernardo News Journal, January 18, 2023
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Circulator - 01/06/2023
- Happy New Year from the Circulate Team
- Checkoff your first New Year’s Resolution: Join or renew your Circulate Corporate Membership!
- Circulate TPA Efforts in Voice of San Diego
- Cyclovia Encinitas 2023: Car-Free Open Street Event
- Lincoln Cluster of Schools Clean Mobility in Schools Program
- Circulate News
Happy New Year from the Circulate Team
Together in 2022 we made San Diego a better place to live, work, and move around. As we begin 2023, we are ready to continue working for more afforable housing and better and faster transit. Check out our year-end zoom briefing that highlighted or many wins and this year’s agenda.
Happy New Year!
Colin, Dara, Jesse, Jeremy, Davida, Carlisle, Octavio, and Maria
Checkoff your first New Year’s Resolution: Join or renew your Circulate Corporate Membership!
With 2023 underway, now is the best time to sign up and take advantage Circulate Membership’s year-round benefits.
Corporate Membership with Circulate San Diego is for the calendar year, providing your organization with visibility throughout 2023 and include:
- Access to decision makers and influencers
- Visibility in our email newsletter, website, and social media reaching over 10,000 people
- Special recognition at Circulate events, including our annual Momentum Awards
- Special invites to our Policy Committee, Advisory Circle Dinner, and briefings based on your giving level
- Plus, you will support housing affordability and improved mobility in the region
To learn more and sign up visit our:
Corporate membership page!
Circulate TPA Efforts in Voice of San Diego
Voice of San Diego reported this morning on Circulate’s success in modifying a code update to generate more housing, not less.
The rule change would have remapped where many of San Diego’s housing programs apply. The original proposal would have resulted in less housing capacity in high resource areas. We wrote a letter of opposition, which resulted in an investigation by the State into our Fair Housing concerns.
Because of our advocacy, the City revised the proposal to include more areas in high resource neighborhoods. We would like to thank City staff for making these revisions. Check out the letter of support for the new proposal:
Cyclovia Encinitas 2023: Car-Free Open Street Event
Visit Circulate San Diego's booth on Sunday, January 8th during the 2023 Cyclovia Encinitas!
Enjoy Encinitas' vibrant downtown along HWY 101 from D to J Streets from 10am-2pm on Sunday, January 8, 2023. Explore Downtown Encinitas via bike, on foot or other means of self-powered transportation, free of cars! Swing by multiple locations where live music and activities will be.
The San Diego Mountain Bike Association will host a bike skills/pump track area. The San Diego County Bike Coalition will host a bicycle safety rodeo course and provide bike racks and bike valets for people traveling by bikes downtown.
Stop and learn about many bike and mobility related programs and projects at various booths hosted by the City of Encinitas and partner agencies. Look for event-day specials from participating downtown shops and restaurants.
The event is free and open to the public!
Lincoln Cluster of Schools Clean Mobility in Schools Program
Did you know the communities near Lincoln High suffer from some of San Diego County’s worst air quality? In 2021, the Lincoln Cluster Clean Mobility in Schools Project was awarded multi-year funding by the California Air Resources Board, bringing clean technology into the neighborhood and helping to reduce air pollution and improve the community’s air quality. Investments include electrics school buses, an electric bike program, electric trucks for the district’s food delivery program, electric landscaping and cleaning equipment, free workforce training on zero-emission automotive careers and electrical trades, and more. These improvements will be implemented through this year, 2023, and will have positive environmental impacts for years to come.
Circulate is participating in the project by providing pedestrian and bicycle safety assemblies to 14 schools in the Lincoln Cluster, as well as helping with the administration of the program’s electric bike pilot for staff and students at Lincoln High. Stay tuned for more information on events and demonstration projects associated with this program in the next few months!
circulate news
MountainWest Real Estate Begins Negotiations With City of Chula Vista and Metropolitan Transportation System to Develop Bayview Point in Chula Vista, CA, GlobeNewswire, December 28, 2022
California Relaxes Parking Mandates to Free Up Multifamily Development—But Will Neighbors and Lenders Approve? Urban Land, January 3, 2023
Circulate 2022 Year-End Briefing, December 15, 2022
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Circulator - 12/16/2022
- intro Spotlight: Maria Walker
- Last Chance to Renew Corporate Membership Before Rate Increase
- San Diegans Say, If the Bus Were Faster, I’d Ride It
- Year-End Zoom Briefing
- Father Joe’s Final Field Trips and Celebration
- Planning Team Member Becomes a League Cycling Instructor (LCI)
- Congrats to former Circulate Board Member, Assemblyman David Alvarez!
- Circulate News
intro spotlight: maria walker
Join us in welcoming our new Assistant Planner, Maria Walker! As is our tradition, we interviewed Maria so our supporters and members can get to know her.
Last Chance to Renew Corporate Membership Before Rate Increase
Corporate Members fuel Circulate San Diego’s work to advocate for safe streets, improved transit, and better land use policy. With your support we are making San Diego a better place to live, work, and move around.
Circulate is known as the go to organization for land use and mobility policy, and to be at the forefront of innovative and practical solutions. To ensure our continued success and meet the demands of increasing costs we are adjusting our membership dues starting on January 1, 2023.
Join or renew your 2023 Corporate Membership by December 31st and pay the 2022 membership level price, but get all the great benefits in 2023.
San Diegans Say, If the Bus Were Faster, I’d Ride It
Circulate’s recent report, Fast Bus!, was featured in a recent article published in Voice of San Diego. The article quotes policy counsel Jesse O’Sullivan, and echoes our message that making the bus run faster is good policy.
The article was spawned after author MacKenzie Elmer asked on Twitter what it would take for San Diegans to ride the bus regularly. The overwhelming majority of responses (not just the ones from Colin), requested more frequency or faster buses.
The article comes soon after Jesse’s op-ed published in the San Diego Union Tribune. Our reports continue to get media coverage and drive policy conversations in San Diego.Year-End Zoom Briefing
Together in 2022 we made San Diego a better place to live, work, and move around. As we close out the year we want to celebrate some incredible wins and let you know how we are setting the agenda for land use and transportation policy in the region in 2023.
On Wednesday, we hosted a special zoom briefing for Corporate Members. Take a look at the recap and check out all we did in 2022, and see what we have planned for next year.
Father Joe’s Final Field Trips and Celebration
When we embarked upon our first field trip with Father Joe’s Villages back in September, we were joined by several individuals who would go on to participate in nearly every single subsequent trip—totaling eleven trips over the course of three months.
After four transit trips, four walking trips, two scooter trips, and one bike trip, every attendee was invited to a final celebratory pizza party hosted at the new Saint Teresa of Calcutta Villa affordable housing community. Five folks received free bicycles from Father Joe’s as a token of thanks for their continued participation in the program, and Circulate provided U-locks, lights, bells, and tube patch kits for each bike.
It has been such a joy to spend each Monday with our Father Joe’s friends for so long, and we look forward to future opportunities to collaborate.
Planning Team Member Becomes a League Cycling Instructor (LCI)
Over the past two months, Circulate Senior Planner Carlisle Dockery leveraged her Circulate professional development benefits to work towards her League Cycling Instructor (LCI) certification through the League of American Bicyclists.
After finishing two Smart Cycling classes hosted by the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition at the Oceanside Public Library, which consisted of several hours of classroom education, a 13-mile bike ride, completion of a skills course, and a written exam, Carlisle traveled to Albuquerque, New Mexico for the LCI Seminar.
Alongside a group of very talented bike mechanics from the Esperanza Bicycle Safety Education Center, she spent three days in classes, giving presentations, teaching lessons, and taking both road and written tests. Now that Carlisle is an LCI, she is officially certified to teach a wide range of bicycle safety lessons and skills to both new and returning bicyclists and youth!
Congrats to former Circulate Board Member, Assemblyman David Alvarez!
On Monday, the Circulate team joined residents from across the South Bay to celebrate the swearing-in of our former board member, Assemblyman David Alvarez.
We look forward to working with him to create more attainable housing opportunities.
circulate news
NCTD gets $240,000 to plan housing for Escondido Transit Center, The San Diego Union Tribune, November 27, 2022
CA: NCTD gets $240,000 to plan housing for Escondido Transit Center, Mass Transit, November 29, 2022
Opinion: Here’s a simple way to make bus riders happy and meet climate goals — while saving money, The San Diego Union Tribune, November 30, 2022
Study to explore more housing near Escondido Transit Center, The Coast News Group, December 6, 2022
Caltrans testing new life-saving tech along busy I-8 exit aimed to prevent wrong-way driving, Fox5, December 7, 2022
San Jose Becomes Largest US City to Drop Minimum Parking Rules, ALM Globest.com, December 12, 2022
Environment Report: San Diegans Say, If the Bus Were Faster, I’d Ride It., Voice of San Diego, December 13, 2022
Letter: Support for Proposed Sustainable Development Areas, December 8, 2022
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Intro Spotlight: Maria Walker
Intro Spotlight: Maria Walker
In keeping with our tradition of interviewing new team members, we asked our new Assistant Planner, Maria Walker a few questions...
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am an Urban Studies and Planning graduate, with a minor in Ethnic Studies from UCSD. While I may have been born in Southern CA, I grew up in Brooklyn, NY. Living in California these past 4 years have been a bit of a culture shock for someone fluent in public transportation, but I am eager to be a part of the process here in San Diego.
In my spare time, I like to read and spend time with my cat Mochi! I enjoy baking banana breads and trying new recipes. Since I am a “Walker”, I’ve always followed my namesake and love walking by the beach or in nature during my downtime.
How did you become interested in Circulate San Diego?
When I began my initial job search, I was looking for an entry level position in urban planning, but urban planning encompasses so many sectors and careers that it was hard finding the right thing. Using my projects from college and reflecting what my passions were, I knew I wanted to work for a company that did community engagement and focused on improving transportation and walkability.
It was difficult in the beginning because there’s not many positions, especially in the private sector, that are as involved with the people compared to NGOs. Instead, many focused on technical writing, solely design work, or research. I wanted something with a bit more flexibility to learn and do everything. This was when I searched up on google, rather than indeed, “San Diego NGOs Walkability” and Circulate appeared! And of course, I applied and here I am!
What’s your most memorable face palm moment? Or what is your biggest achievement to date? Choose one.
It's hard for me to recall a singular facepalm moment because I feel like I have them all the time. In the summer before my senior year of college, I was looking for an interview to fulfill my graduation requirement, and at the time I was applying to cities such as Del Mar, Solana Beach, and La Jolla to stay close to campus. I was also taking a summer ethnic studies course on “Latina Voices”, and I had my final essay to submit before the summer session was over.
However, I was also working on my resume for Del Mar that I submitted my resume rather than my final essay to my professor, and I did not realize until a day before grades were due! Luckily, my professor contacted me before grades went through, and she even offered her help to look over my cover letter and resume after the class ended! I was grateful this fluke worked in my favor, and with her help, I ended up getting my internship at Del Mar!
If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor?
I’ve met many amazing people in San Diego, especially in the field of planning that I have already chosen several as my mentors. I am so thankful for my professors Sue Peerson and Mor Shilon; both are empowering women in urban planning who are accomplishing many things in their respective careers.
Sue introduced to me to the design aspect of urban planning and how important placemaking is today. With her guidance, I have been able to expand on my projects and create vibrant, walkable communities that have inspired me to continue this direction in my career. It's one of the reasons why I want to work on transportation and walkability in San Diego!
Mor is an amazing friend and professor who introduced me to the value of community engagement and research. Her methods of teaching were nontraditional compared to my many classes in college; with her guidance, I developed as a planner and always remembered to work with the community, not for it! It’s such an essential skill, especially in a career where what we do affect day-to-day lives.
I am so grateful I can call them both my mentors and I hope to put everything I’ve learned from them both into my new job at Circulate.
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Circulator - 12/2/2022
Corporate Members – Renew Today and Save
Corporate Members fuel Circulate San Diego’s work to advocate for safe streets, improved transit, and better land use policy. With your support we are making San Diego a better place to live, work, and move around.
Circulate is known as the go to organization for land use and mobility policy, and to be at the forefront of innovative and practical solutions. To ensure our continued success and meet the demands of increasing costs we are adjusting our membership dues starting on January 1, 2023.
Join or renew your 2023 Corporate Membership by December 31st and pay the 2022 membership level price, but get all the great benefits in 2023.
Circulate Op-ed: Make the Bus Run Faster
There is a way to make riders happy, meet climate goals and bring on new riders, all while spending public resources wisely: Make the bus run faster.
That’s the message from policy counsel Jesse O’Sullivan in an op-ed that was published in the San Diego Union Tribune. The piece highlights our recent report, Fast Bus.Year-End Zoom Briefing
We are hosting a special zoom briefing for Corporate Members. Join us on December 14th at noon for a unique sneak peek into what Circulate will be working on in 2023. We will hear from Circulate staff and leadership on our priorities and you will have a chance to give your thoughts and suggestions.
To RSVP and receive the Zoom link email Jeremy at [email protected].
Live Well Advance Conference December 7th
Join Circulate at the 2022 Live Well Advance Conference and School Summit where we will be speaking about the methodology behind our popular walking field trips.
The event features over 50 interactive breakout sessions and partner networking to advance the Live Well vision to create a region where all San Diego County residents can be healthy, safe, and thrive. Come visit our booth or see our session “Walk This Way!
Empowering Everyone in the Community to Make Safe Streets a Reality” on Wednesday, December 7th from 11:40AM to 12:00PM.
To register for FREE... Click here!
ULI San Diego - Tijuana is hosting a movie premiere!
Join ULI San Diego - Tijuana for the premier of our short film "Connecting Paradise" and stick around for a Q&A and member social to close out our year of programming!
The film, Connecting Paradise,explores San Diego’s historic visions by examining public planning strategies beginning in the late 1800’s through today’s ambitious plans for the 21st Century.
The film also examines the issues of leadership and diversity and the role they play in San Diego’s development. The film includes interviews with key participants in planning, designing, and writing about San Diego.
Circulate news
FTA Awards $13.1MM in TOD Grants, November 17, 2022
Vision Zero, SANDAG, November 18, 2022
Somber display will honor San Diegans killed on roadways, KPBS, November 18, 2022
Report: Rate Of Mass. Traffic Fatalities Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Levels, Rock 105.3, November 21, 2022
NCTD Awarded Funding from FTA for Escondido Transit-Oriented Development, North County Transit District, November 21, 2022
The North County Transit District Is Becoming a Developer, Voice of San Diego, November 18, 2022
Mayor Gloria promises to prioritize safety over speed on streets, SDNews.com, November 22, 2022
North County Transit District Receives $240,000 Award For Escondido Study, Patch, November 22, 2022
Investing in Livable Communities: ULI Advises on the Future of Charlotte’s LYNX Silver Line, UrbanLand, November 23, 2022
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Circulator - 11/11/2022
Corporate Members – Renew Today and Save
Corporate Members fuel Circulate San Diego’s work to advocate for safe streets, improved transit, and better land use policy. With your support we are making San Diego a better place to live, work, and move around.
Circulate is known as the go to organization for land use and mobility policy, and to be at the forefront of innovative and practical solutions. To ensure our continued success and meet the demands of increasing costs we are adjusting our membership dues starting on January 1, 2023.
We are giving you the opportunity to join or renew early and save! Join or renew your 2023 Corporate Membership by December 31st and pay the 2022 membership level price, but get all the great benefits in 2023.
Thank you for joining us at our november mixer!
Thanks to everyone who attended our November Membership Mixer last night!
Special thank you to Supervisor Vice-Chair Nora Vargas for your time and remarks. Lots of progress has been made to build housing, introduce bike infrastructure, and protect pedestrians moving around our region. We are excited to work together to build on these efforts in the years to come.
We especially want to thank all of our Corporate sponsors and individual members who help make our work possible. Together we are making San Diego a better place to live, work, and move around.
Recap of CicloSDias
This past Sunday, November 6th, was the City of San Diego’s annual CicloSDias event organized by the San Diego Bike Coalition. This was an opportunity to close popular downtown street for only active transportation modes such as biking, walking, and rolling.
Circulate had the pleasure of manning a pitstop along the 3-mile route. We provided education on bike infrastructure, had a temporary parklet for people to take a break, and had plenty of water and snacks to fuel the participants. We look forward to the next one!
Moving on to Bike and Scooter Rides with Father Joe’s!
After going on two more wonderful walking field trips with our Father Joe’s Villages friends, we are just about ready to move on to our bicycle and scooter programming. Two weeks ago we were able to walk along the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade to visit Seaport Village, where everyone enjoyed some pizza and seltzer water by the duck pond.
This week, we went on a mini park tour of East Village, taking selfies at Fault Line Park, finding out that Park at the Park was closed for the day (very sad), and ending up at the San Diego Central Public Library where participants used some of the gift cards they’d earned through this program to buy books, pens, and coffee mugs!
Next week, we’ll host a scooter rodeo with help from our colleagues at BIRD, so that the Father Joe’s community can get some valuable training and practice using scooters safely.
World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims – November 18th
Join Families for Safe Streets San Diego and the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition in observing World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims. They will honor the 294 individuals who were killed in San Diego traffic crashes last year, listen to stories from the families of victims, and call on our elected officials to invest in proven road safety solutions.
During this event on November 18th, they'll be calling on our elected officials to make three key commitments:
1. Complete a Bicycle Master Plan Update by the end of 2023
2. Lower speed limits and build physical traffic calming projects on all eight of San Diego's most dangerous Vision Zero corridors by June 30, 2024
3. Double the funding and annual mileage target for San Diego's quick-build bikeways team, to set a standard of building 18 miles of quick-build safe bikeways per year
To show our elected officials the urgency of safe streets, they'll need a huge show of support from the community for this event.
circulate news
Pedestrian deaths lead to push for better infrastructure in National City, KUSI News, October 30, 2022City leaders push for pedestrian and cyclist safety, Fox 5, October 27, 2022
$33M Vista Apartment Project Caters to Artists, San Diego Business Journal, October 27, 2022Sponsored Post: How to Speed up Buses? With Automated Enforcement of Bus Lanes and Bus Stops, says Circulate San Diego, StreetsBlog, October 31, 2022
Upscale Neighborhoods Sue to Stop San Diego Plan for More Equitable Spending, Streetsblog, November 3, 2022
County of San Diego Awarded Grant from the Office of Traffic Safety for Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program, County News Center, November 4, 2022
Letter: Support for Imperial Beach Ninth Street Complete Streets Project, November 4, 2022
Press Release: Supervisor Nora Vargas Headlines Circulate Membership Mixer in Barrio Logan, November 7, 2022
Coalition Letter: AHSC Draft Round 7 Guidelines, November 9, 2022
Coalition letter: Opposition to change in definition of TPA, November 9, 2022
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Circulator - 10/28/2022
Announcing: Vice Chair Nora Vargas at Circulate's Membership Mixer on 11/10
We are excited to announce that San Diego County Supervisor Nora Vargas is joining us for beers and tacos at our November Membership Mixer. Her remarks will begin around 6:30 pm.
Vargas serves as Chair for SANDAG’s Transportation Committee and the Air Pollution Control District and is the County’s representative to the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) and National Association of Counties (NACo). In February 2022, Vice Chair Vargas was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to serve on the California Air Resources Board.
We hope to see you in November!
Check out the 2022 Momentum Award Photos!
Last month, we came together for our 2022 Momentum Awards and celebrate the people and projects in the San Diego region that are creating excellent mobility choices and vibrant, healthy neighborhoods.
Congratulations City of San Diego – 2022 Larson Housing Policy Leadership Award
Circulate San Diego sends congratulations to the City of San Diego for winning the prestigious 2022 Larson Housing Policy Leadership Award for their citywide Affordable Homes Bonus Program (AHBP).
The City of San Diego enacted AHBP in 2016, which substantially increased the production of both market-rate and deed-restricted affordable homes. The program allows developers to build more homes if they agree to set aside a subset of a new project as affordable.
Circulate led a coalition of advocates in 2016 to champion the adoption of the AHBP. Circulate also sponsored Assembly Bill 2345 in 2020 (Gonzalez Fletcher) that extended the program throughout California. In 2020, AB 2345 was the most significant housing production bill signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Earlier this year, Circulate San Diego published a report “Home Run for Homes,” which documents the success of the AHBP. That report showed that in 2020, nearly half of the units entitled in the City of San Diego benefitted from the AHBP. Circulate included data from “Home Run for Homes” when it nominated the City of San Diego for the ULI Larson Housing Policy Leadership Award.
Father Joe’s Walking Field Trips Are Getting Underway!
We wrapped up our final transit field trip with the Father Joe’s Villages community two weeks ago with a beautiful bus ride to Coronado Beach, and have since moved on to the walking portion of our programming.
Our first trip this week took us across the Harbor Drive Pedestrian Bridge to Bayfront Park, Balboa Landing, and along the Embarcadero. We loved finding new waterfront areas to access, complete with fishing piers, basketball courts, and workout stations.
Next week we are looking forward to exploring the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade en route to Seaport Village!
circulate news
The Death of Parking Requirements, Planetizen, October 6, 2022
$33M Vista Apartment Project Caters to Artists, San Diego Business Journal, October 27, 2022
City leaders push for pedestrian and cyclist safety, Fox 5 News, October 27, 20222022
Coalition Letter: FY24 Funding for Vision Zero, September 19, 2022
Letter: Allow Parking District Funds to be Spent on Green Transportation Amenities, September 20, 2022
Letter: Opposition to Proposed Downzone in Land Development Code Update, September 26, 2022
Press Release - Circulate San Diego Congratulates the City of San Diego for Winning Prestigious National Housing Policy Leadership Award, September 26, 2022
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Circulator - 10/14/2022
- Farewell: Morgen Ruby!
- Circulate is Hiring! - Assistant orAssociate Planner
- SAVE THE DATE: Circulate’s Post Election Membership Mixer
- Circulate Releases Report: Fast Bus!
- Fast Bus in the Media
- Father Joe’s Transit Trips to Mission Valley and La Mesa
- Circulate Staff Welcome Smart Growth California to San Diego
- Transition to Zero-Emissions Trucks Could Save Lives in San Diego
- Circulate News
Farewell: Morgen Ruby!
It is with bitter sweet emotion, we wish our Associate Planner, Morgen Ruby, a happy farewell!
To read as she shares about the great work she has done and her experience with us:
We wish her the best of luck with all her future endeavors!
Circulate is Hiring! - Assistant or Associate Planner
Circulate is hiring for our planning and community engagement team! This is a unique opportunity for an entry level to medium level planning professional to join a high-profile organization and a team of collaborative and dynamic planners.
This position is perfect for a lateral jump into a nonprofit, or for an up-and-comer looking to take the next step in their career to develop leadership, management, and business skills.
SAVE THE DATE: Circulate’s Post Election Membership Mixer
Come for the free drinks and tacos, stay for the conversation and networking.
Join Circulate staff, local decision-makers, and professionals in the land use and transportation space for Circulate’s Post Election Membership Mixer on November 10th and Border X Brewing.
Circulate Releases Report: Fast Bus!
On October 6, Circulate released our report, Fast Bus! The report provides cost-effective, actionable recommendations for making buses faster and more reliable.
The San Diego region has an opportunity to invest in its bus network to make it reliable, frequent and fast.
Fast Bus in the Media
As part of the Fast Bus! report release, our staff organized a press conference to announce our recommendations. We were joined by San Diego City Council Member Stephen Whitburn, California Transportation Commissioner Clarissa Reyes Falcon, and bus rider Rachel Graham, along with other transit leaders.
A number of outlets carried the story, including ABC 10 News, KPBS - Midday Edition, California Local Today, and Words & Deeds blog. This kind of publicity is key to promoting our region’s successes and driving the conversation for better transit policies. And, on Saturday we hosted a panel discussion at Voice of San Diego’s Politifest.
Circulate’s Policy Counsel, Jesse O’Sullivan hosted a Fast Bus! Lunch & Learn on October 13th.
Father Joe’s Transit Trips to Mission Valley and La Mesa
Since the last Circulator, our planning team has had the pleasure of taking two more transit field trips with the Father Joe’s Villages community.
After our first trip to the South Bay region, we’ve since explored Mission Valley and East County using the Green and Orange MTS lines respectively. Following an exciting trip to Fashion Valley last week to find some new shoes and Sephora freebies, this week the group took an outing to La Mesa. Everyone enjoyed some delicious and creative desserts from the Yogurt Mill and we celebrated one of our group members’ first day of school!
Next week we are taking a beach trip to Coronado on the bus for our final transit trip before we start our walking and biking trips.
Circulate Staff Welcome Smart Growth California to San Diego
Circulate San Diego staff had the pleasure to give a walking tour to Smart Growth California's Director, Ron Milam. Founded in 2009 by The Funders Network and The San Francisco Foundation, Smart Growth California is a network of funders working together to build healthy, equitable, and sustainable communities throughout California. Ron was in town to meet with a new local round table of funders looking to invest in the San Diego Region.
We shared the progress we have made in downtown bike infrastructure and the work of multiple agencies involved in the 4th, 5th, and B street bike lanes. We also hopped on the trolley and visited the 12th & Imperial MTS station. Not only a bustling transit stop, but the site of potential MTS parking lot development site. In 2018, Circulate published a ground-breaking report, “Real Opportunity”, calling for many of these underutilized lots as future housing development locations.
In April, Circulate San Diego, joined Smart Growth California and the Funding Network, to call on Foundations and Philanthropist to invest in transit advocacy and address the nation’s transportation system impacts on climate, equity, and health.
Transition to Zero-Emissions Trucks Could Save Lives in San Diego
A new report by the American Lung Association finds that switching to zero-emission trucks and electricity would significantly reduce health impacts and disparities in pollution-burdened communities that are home to major truck traffic, including San Diego.
The report, “Delivering Clean Air: Health Benefits of Zero-Emission Trucks and Electricity,” illustrates the potential health benefits if all new medium- and heavy-duty vehicles sold are zero-emission by 2040. The report focuses specifically on trucking corridors with 8,500 or more trucks trips per day. It also projects that the nation’s electric grid will be powered by clean, non-combustion renewable energy replacing fossil fuels by 2035.
Here in San Diego, a transition to clean trucks would allow our region to avoid 748 deaths, 103,000 missed workdays and potentially save us more than $8.4 billion in associated public health benefits.
For more information, please visit www.Lung.org/ev
Also, show your support, join LUNG FORCE Walk Sunday, January 29, 2023, at Liberty Station when San Diegans walk or run 5K and raise their voices for lung health and clean air. Visit www.LUNGFORCE.org/sandiego
circulate news
Carlsbad to continue new initiatives to curb collisions involving bikes, e-bikes, Bicycle Retailer, September 29, 2022
Riding a Dockless Scooter? Here are San Diego’s 7 Official Safety Rules, Times of San Diego, October 1, 2022
Mixed-Use Affordable Housing Opens in Vista with Dual Purpose of Stoking Interest in Arts, Times of San Diego, October 3, 2022
California’s Snapdragon Stadium reflects San Diego through design, The Construction Specifier, October 4, 2022
In-Depth: Report offers solutions to make MTS bus rides
faster, 10News, October 6, 2022In-Depth: Report offers solutions to make MTS bus rides faster, Yahoo News, October 6, 2022
Fast Bus! Report Released, 10News, October 6, 2022
Carlsbad outlines traffic safety initiatives, The Coast News Group, October 6, 2022
Press Release: Circulate San Diego Completes Walking Field Trips with Hoover High School Students And Staff, September 30, 2022
Press Release: Circulate San Diego and Groundwork San Diego Complete Walking Field Trips in Southeast San Diego, September 30, 2022
Policy Report: Fast Bus!, October 6, 2022
Media Advisory: Lunch and Learn: “Fast Bus” Presentation, October 12, 2022
