Policy Director Will Moore is a graduate of Columbia Law and Georgia Tech. Before joining Circulate, he practiced law for 21 years, representing small and midsized businesses. Will has been an advocate for expanding housing and transit opportunities for San Diegans since moving to town in 2006. Will lives with his two children and his wife in San Diego’s historic Old Town neighborhood.
Will Moore's activity stream
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Will Moore published 2024-07-30 PRESS RELEASE - SD City Council Allows Desperately Needed Housing in University City in Press Room 2024-07-30 19:50:54 -0700
PRESS RELEASE - SD City Council Allows Desperately Needed Housing in University City
PRESS RELEASE
City of San Diego Authorizes Desperately Needed Additional Housing In University City
Contact: Will Moore, Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego - 858-210-7999 | [email protected]
Today, on July 30, 2024, the San Diego City Council adopted a major update to the decades-old University Community Plan. The new plan builds on the growth of San Diego’s biotech and communications industry hubs and allows for desperately needed housing in the University City Neighborhood. This new University Community Plan allows for approximately 30,000 potential additional homes and approximately 60,000 new potential new jobs in coming years.
Circulate, alongside its allies, has championed updating this plan to address the urgent need for increased homes and access to transit in our region. Circulate’s report "Making the Most of The Mid-Coast Trolley" highlighted the significant benefits the University City community could enjoy from expanding housing options in the area. Adding capacity for jobs and homes is essential to getting the economic, climate, and equity benefits of the $2.2 billion investment in the Mid-Coast Trolley.
While this updated plan authorizes twice as much housing capacity in the area, these plans are usually updated on thirty-year time-frames. Over such a time span, that represents only a 2.4% rate of annual growth.
The City’s Environmental Impact Report concluded that a higher-density option, which would have added even more housing capacity, would have been the "environmentally superior alternative." A broad, demographically representative sample of 2,600 residents were surveyed in 2021 and overwhelmingly supported that more robust alternative. Circulate and other community groups promoted that alternative over the past three years. Sadly, the City shrunk from the opportunity to adopt that more aggressive option.
Nonetheless, the adopted new plan represents a major step forward. University City will be a pivotal regional hub for San Diego for generations to come. Circulate is heartened to see that the newly-adopted University Community Plan reflects this reality.
Will Moore, Policy Director of Circulate San Diego, said that “Ultimately, this University Community Plan Update is a major victory for the region. It takes advantage of our substantial infrastructure investments, making the most of the Mid-Coast trolley. In the long term, this update will make San Diego a better place for our both leading industries and the families in our community.”
A downloadable copy of this Press Release is available here.
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About Circulate San Diego
Circulate San Diego is a regional nonprofit think tank dedicated to advancing mobility and making the region a better place to move, work, learn and play. Our work focuses on creating great mobility choices, more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, and land uses that promote sustainable growth. For more information, go to www.circulatesd.org.
News Hits
San Diego City Council approves plans for more housing in Hillcrest, University City, NBC 7, July 30, 2024
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Will Moore published Policy Letter: SANDAG - LOSSAN Realignment - Proceed With EIR Without Delay in Policy Letters 2024-07-19 14:20:59 -0700
Policy Letter: SANDAG - LOSSAN Realignment - Proceed With EIR Without Delay
Circulate submitted a comment to SANDAG on the Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report for the LOSSAN Rail Realignment.
Circulate encouraged SANDAG to move quickly and efficiently to complete all necessary studies and implement the much-needed LOSSAN Rail Realignment project without further delay.
Read the full letter here.
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Will Moore published PRESS RELEASE - Metropolitan Transit System Implements Easy Fare Payments in Press Room 2024-07-19 05:38:53 -0700
PRESS RELEASE - Metropolitan Transit System Implements Easy Fare Payments
PRESS RELEASE
Metropolitan Transit System Implements Easy Fare Payments
Contact: Will Moore, Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego - 858-210-7999 | [email protected]
This week, the Metropolitan Transit System updated its PRONTO payment system to make fares easier to pay using contactless payments. Now riders can pay fares with their bank cards (debit cards, credit cards, prepaid cards), and mobile wallets (e.g. Apple Pay, Google pay, etc.).
Previously, if you had a guest in town, they would have to download the PRONTO app and set up an account before they could join you on a simple trolley ride to the ballpark. Now they can just tap their credit card on the reader at the station or on the bus. It’s the same way many people already pay for things at a store.
Will Moore, Policy Director for Circulate said, “This will benefit all riders of the system, since a familiar payment system reduces confusion and gets everybody on the trolley or the bus faster.”
Connor Proctor, a founding member of Ride SD said, “This will make it simple and easy for San Diegans to start using public transit, helping our region meet its climate action goals.”
Circulate has urged MTS to implement free transfers and stored value since 2016, recommendations that were implemented by the creation of the PRONTO system. RideSD and Circulate have both urged the implementation of a robust system for easy fare payment. The most recent letters from both organizations, explaining the benefits of the new system, are linked here and here, and attached to this Press Release. Circulate also detailed how easy fare payments improve service times in its October 2022 report “Fast Bus.”
We commend MTS staff for working to quickly release contactless payments with free transfers. However, the new system as launched lacks important features: riders should be able to benefit from fare-capping and should be able to register their bank cards to their transit accounts to take advantage of reduced fares. These features are said to be forthcoming, but unfortunately do not have an announced timeline for implementation. Circulate and RideSD will continue to advocate that MTS promptly complete the implementation of the new easier fare payment system.
Circulate and RideSD are pleased to see this change, giving San Diegans improved, faster, and easier-to-use transit options.
A pdf version of this press release can be found here.
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About Circulate San Diego
Circulate San Diego is a regional nonprofit think tank dedicated to advancing mobility and making the region a better place to move, work, learn and play. Our work focuses on creating great mobility choices, more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, and land uses that promote sustainable growth. For more information, go to www.circulatesd.org.About Ride SD
Ride SD is a nonprofit coalition of transit riders working to improve the transit experience in San Diego through education, community building, and advocacy. For more information, go to ridesd.org -
A Better Coastal Commission
Read moreReport Summary
In recent years, the California Legislature has adopted a variety of new policies to encourage more affordable homes, reduce residential segregation, and fight climate change. Unfortunately, the California Coastal Commission has often undermined or ignored the adopted policy direction of the Legislature, and it needs reform.
The California Coastal Commission has an important and longstanding mission to preserve access to the coast for all Californians. The Legislature has granted the Coastal Commission authority under the Coastal Act to review and approve housing and transportation projects near the coast.
Housing reform legislation in recent years has largely focused on providing easier approval for projects that include deed-restricted affordable homes, especially in high opportunity areas. These policies serve multiple goals: increasing affordability, reducing residential segregation, and allowing people to reduce their impact on the climate by having to drive shorter distances or to drive less frequently.
A core example of that sort of legislation is California Density Bonus Law. Density Bonus Law precludes the denial of a housing development, and grants a variety of waivers and concessions, if a project includes a certain number of deed-restricted affordable homes. Existing legislation requires Density Bonus Law to be harmonized with the Coastal Act.
This report documents numerous examples where the Coastal Commission has resisted, opposed, and delayed the construction of deed-restricted affordable homes that use programs like Density Bonus Law. This is even true for projects on land that is already zoned for multi-family housing, in plans already approved by the Coastal Commission itself.
Similarly, this report documents examples where the Coastal Commission opposes projects that the Legislature encourages as a part of California’s efforts to combat climate change. Crosswalks, bicycle lanes, and infill development near transit are all goals of recent statewide legislation, yet the Coastal Commission opposes or delays many of these projects. Their decisions to prioritize car travel above all other modes is inconsistent with modern climate goals, as adopted by the Legislature.
This report recommends the following reforms for the Coastal Commission:
- Amend Density Bonus Law to require its implementation by the Coastal Commission, as proposed in AB 2560 (2024).
- Remove or narrow the special exemptions that keep housing reforms from applying to the coast.
- Mandate procedural reforms at the Coastal Commission.
- Apply transportation and climate policy to the Coastal Zone.
- Avoid creating, or narrowly draw, coastal exemptions to new housing legislation.
- Look skeptically on Coastal Commission requests for more authority.
The Legislature is the only body capable of fixing this problem. With reforms, the Legislature can create a better Coastal Commission.
PRESENTATIONS
Press Conference: On June 14, 2024 Circulate San Diego and Assemblymember David Alvarez held a press Conference. Watch it here.
Virtual Press Conference: On June 14, 2024 Circulate CEO Colin Parent and Policy Policy Counsel, Will Moore, held a virtual Press Conference. Watch it here.
Lunch and Learn. On June 20th Report Author and Policy Counsel held a deep dive into the report. Watch, here.
PRESS
Fresh batch of YIMBY housing bills clash with coastal protections (again). CalMatters, March 18, 2024
Report accuses California Coastal Commission of adding to racially segregated housing. The Sacramento Bee, June 13, 2024
California Coastal Commission responds to report it worsens housing crisis: ‘Disgraceful.’ The Sacramento Bee, June 13, 2024
Report documents California Coastal Commission's resistance to new housing. KPBS, June 14, 2024
The California Playbook. Politico, June 14, 2024
New report accuses California Coastal Commission of blocking affordable housing, bike lanes. CBS8, June 14, 2024
Critics say California Coastal Commission resists, delays affordable-housing projects. NBC7, June 14, 2024
New report accuses California Coastal Commission of blocking affordable housing, bike lanes. ABC 10, June 14, 2024
Harsh allegations against California’s Coastal Commission.Fox5, June 14, 2024
Critics say California Coastal Commission resists, delays affordable-housing projects. NBC 4 Los Angeles, June 14, 2024
Circulate SD seeks reforms to Coastal Commission, The Daily Transcript, June 14, 2024
Report: California Coastal Commission Often Stymies Affordable Housing Plans. Times of San Diego, June 16, 2024
NIMBY Towns, Fake Parks, and Eminent Domain, Reason, June 18, 2024
Has the Coastal Commission made housing and climate crises worse? It’s offended at even the suggestion, The San DIego Union Tribune, June 19, 2024
Sacramento Report: Housing Advocates Clash with Coastal Commission, Voice of San Diego, June 24, 2024
Bogus ‘Report’ on Coastal Commission from Developer-Aligned Circulate Group Accepted as Gospel by San Diego Media, OB Rag, June 27, 2024
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Will Moore published MEDIA ADVISORY - June 14 @ 9AM - Press Conference - "A Better Coastal Commission" report in Press Room 2024-06-13 12:58:16 -0700
Media Advisory - June 14 @ 9AM - Press Conference - "A Better Coastal Commission" report
Media Advisory
Press Conference: How the California Coastal Commission is Blocking Affordable Housing
When: Friday, June 14, 2024 - 9-10 a.m. PT
Where: Spanish Landing Park, 3900 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
The press conference will be held at the westernmost end of Spanish Landing, Parking accessible by turning south onto Spanish Landing West from North Harbor Drive. Please see the map with parking details below.
Speakers:
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- Assemblymember David Alvarez,California 80th District (Bilingual in Spanish)
- Will Moore,Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego (Lead Report Author)
- Marcela Escobar Eck,CEO of Atlantis Group, former Director for the Development Services Department for the City of San Diego (Bilingual in Spanish)
Media Contact: Sandy Young, J. Walcher Communications, 619-295-7140, [email protected]
California faces a housing crisis, and the California Coastal Commission is not helping. In a new report, Circulate San Diego investigates how the Coastal Commission, which is supposed to be one of California’s great progressive institutions, continually opposes affordable housing and climate-friendly transportation projects.
This has had major ripple effects on housing markets statewide, as more people are forced to move away from the coastal areas where they have previously lived and worked, driving up prices in traditionally more affordable inland communities. Ironically, in doing so, the Coastal Commission (which was created to “protect and enhance California’s coast”) is also hindering California’s attempts to cut greenhouse gas emissions by forcing longer car commutes and blocking projects that aren’t car-friendly.
Multiple case studies in the report highlight how this has happened with specific planned projects in San Diego and Encinitas, as well as other coastal communities in Los Angeles and Santa Cruz. The report also offers solutions that the Coastal Commission can embrace to do better, fulfill its mission and match its words to its actions.
The report, “A Better Coastal Commission,” will officially launch publicly on Friday, June 14, during a press conference at Spanish Landing Park in San Diego. The park is near the site of a case study highlighted in the report: West Point Loma Blvd., where Coastal Commission officials denied a bike lane, which resulted in a major accident this year that gravely injured a 41-year-old cyclist.
A downloadable pdf of this Media Advisory is available here.
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Will Moore published Press Release - City Council Adds Funding To #FixTheFatal15 in Press Room 2024-06-11 17:59:32 -0700
Press Release - City Council Adds Funding To #FixTheFatal15
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
San Diego City Council Improves Street Safety in San Diego by Adding Funding to #FixTheFatal15
Contact: Will Moore, Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego - 858-210-7999 | [email protected]
Throughout this year’s budget process, Circulate San Diego and our Vision Zero Coalition allies have highlighted the worst intersections in San Diego, the Fatal 15. We have urged cost-effective recommendations for their improvement.
Road safety is an intractable problem that kills around fifty San Diegans per year. San Diego committed to Vision Zero years ago, but deaths remain stubbornly high. The City Council showed strong leadership today by adding funds for road safety. But the intractable problem of pedestrian and cyclist deaths will continue without strong leadership from all of our elected officials.
The Vision Zero coalition was pleased to see eight intersections slated for rehabilitation in Mayor Gloria's proposed budget. But we were disappointed that this meant “Seven Deadly Leftovers” were not included in the proposed FY2025 budget from Mayor Gloria’s office. Without a change, they would have remained in their dangerous condition for another year.
Over the past month Circulate and our Vision Zero allies have called for additional funding to fix the “Seven Deadly Leftovers.” Family members of victims and other activists held press conferences and rallies at dangerous intersections, wrote policy letters, and organized direct communications from community members to city elected officials.
Tonight, all nine City Councilmembers showed leadership by banding together to #FixTheFatal15 and adding additional funds to the transportation budget for road safety. Said Circulate Policy Counsel Will Moore, “Circulate and our Vision Zero allies thank all of the members of the City Council for finding the funds for Vision Zero and to #FixTheFatal15.”
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About Circulate San Diego
Circulate San Diego is a regional nonprofit think tank dedicated to advancing mobility andmaking the region a better place to move, work, learn and play. Our work focuses on creatinggreat mobility choices, more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, and land uses that promotesustainable growth. For more information, go to www.circulatesd.org.
A pdf version of this Press Release can be found here.
News Links
Proposed San Diego budget includes funding to improve dangerous intersections, NBC7, June 11, 2024
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Will Moore published Circulate San Diego and Vision Zero Coalition Urge Council To Adopt IBA Recommendation To #FixTheFatal15 in Press Room 2024-06-05 15:39:25 -0700
Circulate San Diego and Vision Zero Coalition Urge Council To Adopt IBA Recommendation To #FixTheFatal15
PRESS RELEASE
Circulate San Diego and Vision Zero Coalition Allies Call on City Council to Follow Through on IBA Recommendation To Add $785,000 To #FixTheFatal15
Contact: Will Moore, Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego - 858-210-7999 | [email protected]
Throughout this year’s budget process, Circulate San Diego and our Vision Zero Coalition allies have highlighted the worst intersections in San Diego, the Fatal 15. We have urged cost-effective recommendations for their improvement.
In prior years, Mayor Faulconer funded fixes for the Fatal 15, for which he was widely praised in the press. This year, we were pleased to see eight of the Fatal 15 slated for rehabilitation the draft budgets released by Mayor Gloria. But we were disappointed that this meant “Seven Deadly Leftovers” would remain in their dangerous condition.
Fortunately, every member of the City Council responded by highlighting the need to improve street safety for pedestrians – almost all of them calling out Vision Zero and the Fatal 15 by name in their May budget memos.
On June 4, 2024, the Independent Budget Analyst released a report analyzing those councilmember priorities. Thankfully, the IBA suggested that additional amounts be “appropriated to eligible existing Vision Zero - Fixing the Most Dangerous Intersection capital projects” in the amount of $785,000, as requested by our coalition. This is a step on the way to a victory for road safety.
On Friday, June 7, 2024, the City Council Budget Committee will have the opportunity to make San Diego safer by adopting that IBA recommendation. Circulate and our Vision Zero Coalition allies urge them to follow through by adopting the modification outlined on p. 6 of the June 4 IBA report – dedicating $785,000 to fund Vision Zero and #FixTheFatal15.
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About Circulate San Diego
Circulate San Diego is a regional nonprofit think tank dedicated to advancing mobility and making the region a better place to move, work, learn and play. Our work focuses on creating great mobility choices, more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, and land uses that promote sustainable growth. For more information, go to www.circulatesd.org.
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Will Moore published Policy Letter: FY2025 - Fix The Fatal Fifteen - Adopt Modifications Recommended in June 4 IBA Report in Policy Letters 2024-06-05 15:12:11 -0700
Policy Letter: FY2025 - Adopt IBA Recommendation Adding $785,000 to #FixTheFatal15
Circulate and Vision Zero Allies submitted a letter to Council President Sean Elo-Rivera and members of the San Diego City Council urging them adopt The Independent Budget Analyst's recommendation to add $785,000 in funding for Vision Zero projects to #FixtheFatal15.
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Will Moore published MEDIA ADVISORY - Rally to Fix the Fatal 15 - Friday, May 31 at 1PM in Press Room 2024-05-29 17:02:12 -0700
MEDIA ADVISORY - Rally to Fix the Fatal 15 - Friday, May 31 at 1PM
MEDIA ADVISORY
PRESS CONFERENCE: Rally to Fix The Fatal 15 with Families for Safe Streets San Diego and BikeSD
Contact: Jeremy Bloom, Chief Operating Officer, Circulate San Diego, 315-250-9199, [email protected]
When: Friday, May 31, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Corner of Market St. and 19th St., San Diego, CA 92102
Who:
- Michelle Gonzalez of Families for Safe Streets San Diego
- Anar Salayev of BikeSD
What: On Friday, May 31 at 1:00 p.m, Families for Safe Streets San Diego and BikeSD will lead a rally against traffic violence at the intersection of Market and 19th Street in San Diego.
Market and 19th is one of the Fatal 15 intersections – the deadliest intersections in San Diego. It’s where Families for Safe Streets San Diego member Katie Gordon’s husband Jason was struck by a car and killed while he was walking to the store. He is survived by Katie and their one-year-old twin daughters.
Nearly 50 pedestrians and cyclists lose their lives in traffic crashes in San Diego every year. San Diego committed to Vision Zero in 2015, but pedestrian deaths remain stubbornly high.
Advocates have called upon the City of San Diego to Fix the Fatal 15. But the planned 2025 budget only fixes eight of the intersections. This means the Seven Deadly Leftovers will linger in their dangerous state for another year.
Families for Safe Streets San Diego is a group of San Diego families who have lost loved ones to traffic violence while they were walking or biking. BikeSD is a community organization dedicated to the improvement of bicycle infrastructure in San Diego.
Visuals: Family members of pedestrians and cyclists killed in traffic violence, Pictures of victims, a dangerous Fatal 15 intersection, Bike SD President Anar Salayev, Michelle Gonzalez of Families for Safe Streets, Jeremy Bloom of Circulate San Diego
A downloadable pdf of this Media Advisory is here.
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About Circulate San Diego
Circulate San Diego is a regional nonprofit think tank dedicated to advancing mobility andmaking the region a better place to move, work, learn and play. Our work focuses on creatinggreat mobility choices, more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, and land uses that promotesustainable growth. For more information, go to www.circulatesd.org.
About Families for Safe Streets San Diego
Families for Safe Streets San Diego is a group of families who have lost loved ones to traffic crashes or been affected ourselves. Through our stories and advocacy, we seek physical improvements on our streets, policy changes and the rapid implementation of Vision Zero. For more information, go to https://www.circulatesd.org/families_for_safe_streets_san_diego.
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Will Moore published Policy Letter: FY2025 - Fix The Fatal Fifteen, Including The Seven Deadly Leftovers in Policy Letters 2024-05-22 15:04:56 -0700
Policy Letter: FY2025 - Fix The Fatal Fifteen, Including The Seven Deadly Leftovers
Circulate and Vision Zero Allies submitted a letter to Council President Sean Elo-Rivera and members of the San Diego City Council urging them to Fix the Fatal 15, including those Seven Deadly intersections that will linger for another year in their current deadly state without a change to the FY2025 City of San Diego budget.
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Will Moore published Press Release - Circulate and Vision Zero Allies hold press conference to Fix The Fatal 15 in Press Room 2024-05-13 14:48:36 -0700
Press Release - Circulate and Vision Zero Allies hold press conference to Fix The Fatal 15
PRESS RELEASE
Fix the Fatal 15 – Circulate and Victims of Traffic Violence Call on the City of San Diego to Repair San Diego’s Most Dangerous Intersections
Contact: Will Moore, Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego - 858-210-7999 | [email protected]
On Monday, May 13, 2024 at 8:00 a.m, Circulate San Diego, Families for Safe Streets San Diego, and the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition held a press conference at one San Diego’s Fatal 15 deadliest intersections – Rosecrans St. and Moore St. in the Midway district – calling on the City of San Diego to Fix the Fatal 15.
They called upon the City of San Diego to include in the FY 25 Budget cost-effective improvements to the city’s 15 deadliest intersections. These fixes include:
- Stripes – Paint ladder or zebra stripes across the crosswalk for increased visibility
- Signal – Install a countdown signal
- Sound – Audible prompts to let people know when it is safe to cross
Nearly 50 pedestrians and cyclists lose their lives in traffic crashes in San Diego every year. San Diego committed to Vision Zero in 2015, but pedestrian deaths remain stubbornly high.
Chloe Lauer, Executive Director of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition observed that “54% of serious injury crashes occur on just 6% of our roadways. By addressing a small portion of the network we can cut fatal crashes in half.”
Families for Safe Streets member Katie Gordon’s husband Jason was killed at one of the Fatal 15 intersections, he is survived by their one-year-old twin daughters. Gordon said “Small improvements make a big impact. Please don’t let the Fatal 15 take another life.”
Will Moore, Policy Counsel for Circulate San Diego said “This is a high-return, low-cost budget item. We understand that it is difficult to run a city. There are a lot of hard decisions – so it is even more important to get the easy ones right. Fix the Fatal 15.”
A downloadable pdf version of this Press Release can be found here.
A copy of the Vision Zero Coalition's May 9, 2024 letter to Mayor Gloria requesting funding to Fix the Fatal 15 can be found here.
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About Circulate San Diego
Circulate San Diego is a regional nonprofit think tank dedicated to advancing mobility andmaking the region a better place to move, work, learn and play. Our work focuses on creatinggreat mobility choices, more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, and land uses that promotesustainable growth. For more information, go to www.circulatesd.org.
About Families for Safe Streets San Diego
Families for Safe Streets San Diego is a group of families who have lost loved ones to traffic crashes or been affected ourselves. Through our stories and advocacy, we seek physical improvements on our streets, policy changes and the rapid implementation of Vision Zero. For more information, go to https://www.circulatesd.org/families_for_safe_streets_san_diego.
COVERAGE:
Circulate San Diego Press Conference. May 13, 2024
Advocates ask for safety fixes to San Diego's 'Fatal 15' deadly intersections. KPBS, May 2, 2024
Community members call on Mayor Todd Gloria to fix 15 deadly intersections.Fox 5 / KUSI, May 13, 2024
Advocates Push for Safety Improvements in San Diego. Street Blog, May 13, 2024
The ‘Fatal 15': Public safety advocates ID San Diego's most dangerous intersections. NBC 7, May 13, 2024
Pedestrian safety group calls on San Diego to fix the 'fatal 15' intersections.CBS 8, May 13, 2024
Circulate and Allies Call On San Diego To Fix The Fatal 15. Vista Free Press, The Vista Press, May 13, 2024
Traffic Safety Advocates Ask for Better Intersections in City of San Diego. Times of San Diego, May 13, 2024
Piden mejorar las 15 intersecciones más mortales de San Diego (Spanish). Telemundo 220, May 13
Piden al alcalde que repare las llamadas “15 intersecciones mortales” (Spanish). KSDY 50, May 14, 2024
Traffic safety advocates call for City of San Diego to fix 15 deadliest intersections. ABC 10, May 14, 2024.jpg)
A map of the Fatal 15 intersections.
Advocates at one of the “Fatal 15” intersections - Rosecrans St. and Moore St. in the Midway neighborhood of San Diego.
Pictured (from Left to right) Will Moore, Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego; Katie Gordon of Families for Safe Streets San Diego, with a picture of her husband Jason who was killed at one of the Fatal 15 intersections; Nancy Cavanaugh-Wilson of Families for Safe Streets San Diego; and Chloe Lauer, Executive Director of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition
A map of the Fatal 15 intersections.
Advocates at one of the “Fatal 15” intersections - Rosecrans St. and Moore St. in the Midway neighborhood of San Diego.
Pictured (from Left to right) Will Moore, Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego; Katie Gordon of Families for Safe Streets San Diego, with a picture of her husband Jason who was killed at one of the Fatal 15 intersections; Nancy Cavanaugh-Wilson of Families for Safe Streets San Diego; and Chloe Lauer, Executive Director of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition
A map of the Fatal 15 intersections.
Advocates at one of the “Fatal 15” intersections - Rosecrans St. and Moore St. in the Midway neighborhood of San Diego.
Pictured (from Left to right) Will Moore, Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego; Katie Gordon of Families for Safe Streets San Diego, with a picture of her husband Jason who was killed at one of the Fatal 15 intersections; Nancy Cavanaugh-Wilson of Families for Safe Streets San Diego; and Chloe Lauer, Executive Director of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition
A map of the Fatal 15 intersections.
Advocates at one of the “Fatal 15” intersections - Rosecrans St. and Moore St. in the Midway neighborhood of San Diego.
Pictured (from Left to right) Will Moore, Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego; Katie Gordon of Families for Safe Streets San Diego, with a picture of her husband Jason who was killed at one of the Fatal 15 intersections; Nancy Cavanaugh-Wilson of Families for Safe Streets San Diego; and Chloe Lauer, Executive Director of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition
Read more -
PRESS CONFERENCE: Fix the Fatal 15 - May 13 at 8AM - at Rosecrans St. and Moore St.
MEDIA ADVISORY
PRESS CONFERENCE: Fix the Fatal 15 – Circulate and Victims of Traffic Violence Call on the City of San Diego to Repair San Diego’s Most Dangerous Intersections
Contact: Will Moore, Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego - 858-210-7999 | [email protected]
When: Monday, May 13, 2024 at 8:00 a.m.
Where: The Intersection of Rosecrans St and Moore St, near the Midway neighborhood of San Diego.
Who:
- Will Moore, Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego
- Katie Gordon, Families for Safe Streets San Diego
What: Fix the Fatal 15 – Circulate and its vision zero allies call on the City of San Diego to Repair San Diego’s Most Dangerous Intersections.
Our community's most vulnerable road users are in crisis. On average, nearly 50 pedestrians and cyclists lose their lives in traffic crashes within the city each year. San Diego committed to Vision Zero in 2015, but pedestrian deaths have not changed substantially, remaining stubbornly high.
Circulate and its allies have called upon the City of San Diego to include in the FY 25 Budget cost-effective improvements to make the 15 most deadly intersections in the City safer. These include:
- Stripes – Paint ladder or zebra stripes across the crosswalk for increased visibility
- Signal – Install a countdown signal
- Sound – Make sure the signal has audible prompts to let people know when it is safe to cross
These repairs and improvements are modest in cost, but will provide a high return in lives saved. The City of San Diego will spend large sums of money on transportation in this coming budget, and we are merely asking that a reasonable share of that spending be dedicated to do the most good and to save the most lives.
Visuals: One of the Fatal Fifteen intersections, in need of repair; family members of victims of traffic violence; Map of Fatal 15 intersections; Circulate Policy Counsel Will Moore; Katie Gordon of Families for Safe Streets San Diego; and Vision Zero advocates.
About Circulate San Diego
Circulate San Diego is a regional nonprofit think tank dedicated to advancing mobility and making the region a better place to move, work, learn and play. Our work focuses on creating great mobility choices, more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, and land uses that promote sustainable growth. For more information, go to www.circulatesd.org.
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A copy of our letter to Mayor Gloria specifying the budget asks is here.
A pdf copy of this Media Advisory is here.
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Will Moore published Policy Letter: Circulate and Allies Support Fast Bus Lanes to SDSU in Policy Letters 2024-04-25 11:49:29 -0700
Policy Letter: Circulate and Allies Support Fast Bus Lanes to SDSU
SANDAG’s February 23, 2024 Board meeting was scheduled to include an update from staff on the status of plans for Transit to the Airport. Like many San Diegans, Circulate expected to see a plan and alternatives submitted for environmental review soon. We were therefore disappointed to instead see this item suggest re-analyzing the project and, more concerningly, projecting a 24-month timeline for doing so.
Circulate recognizes the possible need to ensure confidence in this project, both among the SANDAG Board and the public. However, the 24-month timeline for SANDAG’s proposed re-analysis is, on its face, exceptional. Circulate submitted a letter asking that SANDAG revisit that timeline and shorten it as aggressively as it can.
COVERAGE:
San Diego airport transit system: Update, Axios San Diego, February 21, 2024
Long-studied transit connection to San Diego airport still more than three years off, The San Diego Union Tribune, February 23, 2024
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Will Moore published Policy Letter: Support NCTD Proposed Expansion of Sorrento Valley COASTER Connections in Policy Letters 2024-03-27 15:16:35 -0700
Policy Letter: Support NCTD Proposed Expansion of Sorrento Valley COASTER Connections
Circulate submitted a letter to North County Transit District supporting the continuation and expansion of the Sorrento Valley COASTER Connection (SVCC). Based on the large nearby job centers, and the large population that could commute on those routes, we know there is substantial potential demand. Circulate praises the efforts NCTD and its staff for its diligence in taking over this important piece of our region’s mobility.
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Will Moore published University Plan Update EIR Big Win for Circulate and Allies in Blog Posts 2024-03-22 11:27:28 -0700
University Plan Update EIR Big Win for Circulate and Allies
Circulate celebrated a major victory this week when the University Plan Update moved another step to reality with the release of the Draft Program Environmental Impact Report.
Throughout 2023, Circulate and our allies called for the EIR to include an alternative plan that would add 26,000 more units of housing than the City's base proposal. As demonstrated by the Making The Most of The MidCoast Report, this vital region needs housing growth to take advantage of its status as a transit, education and employment hub.
Our efforts were successful, as the EIR released on March 14, 2024 evaluated our preferred alternative and found it to be "the environmentally superior alternative". (p. 815 of the EIR)
The San Diego Planning Department anticipates the City Council will choose which plan to adopt in the fall. Circulate and our allies will continue to push to Make the Most of the Midcoast.
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Will Moore published PRESS RELEASE: Asm Alvarez and Circulate Announce AB2560 for Coastal Housing Access in Press Room 2024-03-01 13:20:02 -0800
PRESS RELEASE: Asm Alvarez and Circulate Announce AB2560 for Coastal Housing Access
PRESS RELEASE
Assemblymember Alvarez joins Circulate San Diego to announce AB 2560 to Expand Coastal Housing Access
Contact: Will Moore, Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego - 858-210-7999 | [email protected]
On March 1, 2024, Circulate San Diego, joined by Assemblymember David Alvarez and infill housing developer Rammy Cortez announced Assembly Bill 2560 to expand housing access in California's coastal zone. AB 2560 would apply density bonus law, which the rest of California abides by, in that exclusive and expensive area.
AB 2560 is authored by Assemblymember Alvarez and Senator Scott Wiener. It is sponsored by Circulate San Diego, S.P.U.R. and the Bay Area Council.
Currently, California density bonus law encourages new housing for people of all income levels by allowing developers to add units if they agree to set-aside 15 percent of their base density units as permanently affordable to Very-Low-Income households. But that rule doesn't apply the same way in the coastal zone - the most exclusive and segregated part of California. Indeed, the language of the Density Bonus Act contains special exception that effectively keeps Density Bonus Projects from getting built in the Coastal Zone.
AB 2560 would make it clear that the Legislature intends for the Density Bonus Program's success to be recreated statewide, removing the exception for the state's wealthiest enclaves.
Assemblymember Alvarez noted that “7 out of the 10 most unaffordable areas in the entire country are along the California coast.” Alvarez went on to say, “If we want to solve the housing crisis, we cannot leave it to the inland and rural parts of California – the coastal regions must also play a part. This is a successful balanced approach that will help address the housing crisis.”
Rammy Cortez, a developer who uses density bonus in his projects said, “My developer colleagues don’t even contemplate building in the coastal zone because the coastal process is subjective and discretionary, and the approval process drags out for years.” This is true even for projects that are unanimously approved by the local jurisdictions.
Will Moore, Policy Counsel for Circulate San Diego paid respect to the important purpose the Coastal Act serves, saying “The Coastal Act and the Coastal Commission were created to stop things Californians don’t want –like privatized beaches, oil drilling in the coast, encroachment on our wetlands and protected areas. But in recent years, they also stop housing – which Californians DO want and need. AB 2560 will help the Coastal Commission focus on its mission to preserve our coastal environment for future Californians, while also ensuring those future generations can still afford to live in California.”
Video of the event can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4Y-LijKwwg
A pdf version of this Press Release can be found here.
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About Circulate San Diego
Circulate San Diego is a regional nonprofit think tank dedicated to advancing mobility and making the region a better place to move, work, learn and play. Our work focuses on creating great mobility choices, more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, and land uses that promote sustainable growth. For more information, go to www.circulatesd.org.
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Will Moore published PRESS CONFERENCE: Mar 1, 2024 @10AM Asm Alvarez Announces AB2560 for Coastal Housing Access in Press Room 2024-02-28 13:14:27 -0800
PRESS CONFERENCE: Mar 1, 2024 @10AM Asm Alvarez Announces AB2560 for Coastal Housing Access
MEDIA ADVISORY
PRESS CONFERENCE: Assemblymember Alvarez and Senator Weiner introduce AB 2560 to Expand Coastal Housing Access
Contact: Will Moore, Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego - 858-210-7999 | [email protected]
When: Friday, March 1, 2024 at 10 AM
Where: In front of The Commodore, at 200 E 31st St, National City, CA 91950.
Who:
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- Assemblymember David Alvarez;
- Will Moore, Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego;
- Rammy Cortez of Rammy Urban Infill
What: Assembly Bill 2560, authored by Assemblymember David Alvarez and Senator Scott Wiener would expand housing access in California's exclusive coastal zone by applying density bonus law, which the rest of California abides by, in that exclusive and expensive area.
On Friday, March 1, Assemblymember Alvarez will be joined by Will Moore, Policy Counsel with bill sponsor Circulate San Diego, and Rammy Cortez, a developer who uses density bonus projects to create housing. With this law, California would take one more step towards alleviating its housing crisis and improving access to our coast.
This bill would help Californians of all incomes have a better opportunity to live in our heavily segregated coastal lands. Currently, California Density Bonus Law encourages new housing for people of all income levels by allowing developers to add units if they agree to set-aside 15 percent of their base density units as permanently affordable to Very-Low-Income households. But that rule doesn't apply the same way in the coastal zone - the most exclusive and segregated part of California. Indeed, the language of the Density Bonus Act contains special language that effectively keeps Density Bonus Projects from getting built in the Coastal Zone.
AB 2560 would make it clear that the Legislature intends for the Density Bonus Program's success to be recreated statewide, removing the exception for the state's wealthiest enclaves.
Visuals: Recently completed density-bonus housing development The Commodore, at 200 E 31st St, National City, CA 91950. Assemblymember David Alvarez; Circulate CEO Will Moore; Rammy Cortez of Rammy Urban Infill, and housing advocates.
Interviews available after the press conference in both English and Spanish.
More information about AB2560 can be found here.
A pdf copy of this Media Advisory can be downloaded here.
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Will Moore published Policy Letter: SANDAG - Minimize Delay Connecting Transit To San Diego Airport in Policy Letters 2024-02-27 13:42:17 -0800
Policy Letter: SANDAG - Minimize Delay Connecting Transit To San Diego Airport
SANDAG’s February 23, 2024 Board meeting was scheduled to include an update from staff on the status of plans for Transit to the Airport. Like many San Diegans, Circulate expected to see a plan and alternatives submitted for environmental review soon. We were therefore disappointed to instead see this item suggest re-analyzing the project and, more concerningly, projecting a 24-month timeline for doing so.
Circulate recognizes the possible need to ensure confidence in this project, both among the SANDAG Board and the public. However, the 24-month timeline for SANDAG’s proposed re-analysis is, on its face, exceptional. Circulate submitted a letter asking that SANDAG revisit that timeline and shorten it as aggressively as it can.
COVERAGE:
San Diego airport transit system: Update, Axios San Diego, February 21, 2024
Long-studied transit connection to San Diego airport still more than three years off, The San Diego Union Tribune, February 23, 2024
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Will Moore published PRESS RELEASE - Cycling Community Joins Widow of Matt Keenan To Replace Memorial Burned By Arsonist in Press Room 2024-01-29 09:29:33 -0800
PRESS RELEASE - Cycling Community Joins Widow of Matt Keenan To Replace Memorial Burned By Arsonist
PRESS RELEASE - Cycling Community Joins Widow of Matt Keenan To Replace Memorial Burned By Arsonist
Contact: Will Moore, Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego - 858-210-7999 | [email protected]
Matt Keenan was killed in 2021 at the age of 42 by a wrong-way driver while he was riding on Camino Del Rio South in San Diego. A “Ghost Bike” – a common a memorial to cyclists killed in traffic violence like Matt – was installed at the location where he was killed. But on January 5th, someone set fire to Matt Keenan's memorial Ghost Bike and destroyed it.
Thanks to the generosity of multiple organizations and individuals, Matt's wife Laura received donations for a replacement bike, assistance in preparing and installing the ghost bike, and support for fundraising efforts. As a result, on Sunday, January 28th at 10:30 am at 2100 Block of Camino del Rio South Laura and allies from the Cycling community were able to act swiftly to install a new ghost bike memorial and banner for Matt.
The replacement memorial Ghost Bike was donated and prepared by San Diego Bicycle Collective, along with support from Families for Safe Streets San Diego, Bike SD, San Diego County Bicycle Coalition and Circulate San Diego.
Joined by San Diego City Council Members Raul Campillo and Stephen Whitburn, and La Mesa City Council Member Colin Parent, Laura Keenan addressed those who came to the rededication of the memorial. Said Keenan, “I’m so grateful to have Matt’s ghost bike memorial replaced and for all the community support today. The most fitting memorial would be for San Diego to fully commit to implementing its Promise of vision zero so this street - and so many others - are made safe.”
Of Camino del Rio South, the street where Matt was killed, Keenan went on to say, “Being here today is a reminder of how dangerous this street is and how preventable Matt’s death was. We shouldn’t have to worry about protecting these traffic death memorials because our loved ones should still be alive.”
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Will Moore published MEDIA ADVISORY - Jan 28, 10:30AM - Reinstallation of Memorial Burned By Arsonist in Press Room 2024-01-26 08:18:56 -0800
MEDIA ADVISORY - Jan 28, 10:30AM - Reinstallation of Memorial Burned By Arsonist
MEDIA ADVISORY
PRESS CONFERENCE: Replacement of Cyclist Matt Keenan’s Memorial, Which Was Burned by Arsonist
Contact: Will Moore, Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego - 858-210-7999 | [email protected]
When: Sunday, January 28, 2024 at 10:30 AM
Where: 2100 Block of Camino Del Rio South, San Diego, CA 92108
Who:
- Laura Keenan, founder of Families for Safe Streets San Diego and wife of Matt KeenanWhat: Matt Keenan was killed in 2021 at the age of 42 by a wrong-way driver while he was riding on Camino Del Rio South in San Diego. A “Ghost Bike” – a common a memorial to cyclists killed in traffic violence like Matt – was installed at the location where he was killed. But on January 5th, someone set fire to Matt Keenan's memorial Ghost Bike and destroyed it.
Thanks to the generosity of multiple organizations and individuals, Matt's wife Laura received donations for a replacement bike, assistance in preparing and installing the ghost bike, and support for fundraising efforts. As a result, we are able to act swiftly to install a new ghost bike memorial and banner for Matt.
Join us for Matt's Ghost Bike Memorial Reinstallation Event on Sunday, January 28th at 10:30 am at 2100 Block of Camino del Rio South (In front of First Methodist Church of San Diego).
Thanks to the generosity of multiple organizations and individuals, including event cosponsors: Families for Safe Streets San Diego & Ghost Bike donated and prepared by San Diego Bicycle Collective. And, support from Bike SD, Circulate San Diego, San Diego County Bicycle Coalition.
Families for Safe Streets San Diego is a group of San Diego families who have lost loved ones to traffic violence while they were walking or biking.
Visuals:
- Laura Keenan, widow of Matt Keenan and founder of Families for Safe Streets San Diego,
- Burned Ghost Bike and replacement Ghost Bike,
- Members of mobility and cycling community.###
About Circulate San Diego
Circulate San Diego is a regional nonprofit think tank dedicated to advancing mobility and making the region a better place to move, work, learn and play. Our work focuses on creating great mobility choices, more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, and land uses that promote sustainable growth. For more information, go to www.circulatesd.org.
About Families for Safe Streets San Diego
Families for Safe Streets San Diego is a group of families who have lost loved ones to traffic crashes or been affected ourselves. Through our stories and advocacy, we seek physical improvements on our streets, policy changes and the rapid implementation of Vision Zero. For more information, go to https://www.circulatesd.org/families_for_safe_streets_san_diego.
A downloadable pdf version of this Media Advisory can be found here.
