Heading Into The New Year: A Note From Councilmember Gloria

Mother Nature bestowed upon San Diego the gift of rain. Obviously, the rains generated flooding, potholes, sinkholes, downed trees, standing water, and many other challenges in our neighborhoods. Today, the City Council is holding a special meeting to declare a winter storm emergency, which will allow the City to access any available state and federal aid. The meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. in the City Council Chambers on the 12th floor of 202 C Street.

I am thankful that so many of you have helped with the storm recovery efforts by reporting weather-related infrastructure and clean up issues to the City. It appears the rains will continue off and on this week. Be mindful of the hazards of wet roads and saturated ground, and please continue to report problems using the online tool,  and of course contact my office if I may be of service.

I know you agree with me that City staff has been amazing throughout our holiday storms thus far. Helping pump out and clean up Qualcomm Stadium for the Poinsettia Bowl was remarkable. The daily heroics of our firefighters and police officers were critical during crisis conditions citywide, and our lifeguards came inland to provide inspiring rescues along the San Diego River in Mission Valley. I also want to recognize the American Red Cross for stepping in to help some neighbors on 39th Street who were displaced from their apartments when a sinkhole opened up near their residences.

As the quick and purposeful responses to the storms indicate, 2011 will be a productive year. Balancing the City’s deficit-stricken budget, continuing our investment in infrastructure, and remaining focused on strengthening public safety will be my priorities moving forward. Your input will be increasingly valuable as funding priorities and decisions are made. I encourage each of you to renew your involvement in your community and your City this year, and participating in some of the events below is an easy way to do so.

I am happy to invite my neighbors to several important upcoming events, including the 2011 State of District Three.

Keeping San Diego’s Communities Safe:

A Discussion on Hate Crimes and Public Safety in the New Year
Monday, January 10, 2011
6:30-8:00 p.m.
The Center
3909 Centre Street

Coffee with your Councilmember
Saturday, January 22, 2011
10:00-11:30 a.m.
Balboa Park Senior Lounge
Casa del Prado, Room 105

State of District Three
Wednesday, January 25, 2011
6:30 p.m.
Birch North Park Theatre
2891 University Avenue

SR-15 Bus Rapid Transit Public Hearing
Thursday, January 26, 2011
5:00-8:00 p.m.
Central Elementary School
4063 Polk Ave.
Review the environmental documents for this long-awaited project

Thank you for the opportunity to serve,
Todd

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