619-236-6644 | HenryFoster@SanDiego.gov | @CD4Foster
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A MESSAGE FROM COUNCILMEMBER FOSTER
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Last month was legislative recess for City Council, which provided additional opportunities for me to spend time in District 4 and connect directly with our community. One highlight was our Get It Done Day series, where my team and I helped neighbors install the City's Get It Done app and walked through our neighborhoods submitting service requests together. This hands-on approach empowered residents to take action on issues like graffiti, trash, sidewalk repairs, and potholes. It was inspiring to see so many people eager to show up and improve their community. Over 600 Get It Done service requests were completed in August. Before recess, Council considered the Balboa Park parking proposal, which will be returning to Council for further discussion the week of September 15th. This is just one of many important items on the horizon, and I remain committed to ensuring District 4's needs are heard in every decision. The work ahead is significant, but I am confident that by staying engaged and working together, we can keep improving our neighborhoods and quality of life for all who call District 4 home.
We are building a stronger District 4, together.
In service,
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Commission on Police Practices (CPP) Recruitment Update
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The Commission on Police Practices (CPP) continues its important work to strengthen transparency and accountability in our city. Following the August deadline for Executive Director applications, the select committee is now moving forward with interviews and next steps in the recruitment process.
Established through Measure B, the CPP is San Diego’s independent oversight body responsible for investigating police misconduct—including officer-involved shootings and in-custody deaths—and reviewing complaints, policies, and practices. This work is vital to building community trust and ensuring our public safety systems serve everyone with fairness.
Learn more about CPP here
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Tenant Utility Fee Ordinance
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The City Council has approved a new Residential Tenant Utility Fee Ordinance, which officially went into effect on August 17, 2025. This ordinance provides stronger protections for renters by ensuring landlords cannot charge more than the actual cost of City-provided utilities such as water, sewer, stormwater, and trash.
Landlords are now required to notify tenants before charging any utility fees, provide utility bills or documentation upon request within 10 days, and separately disclose any third-party billing fees. This policy reflects our commitment to protecting renters, strengthening housing stability, and making sure families in District 4 and across San Diego have greater transparency and fairness in their monthly costs.
Read more about the ordinance here, scroll down to Item 56.
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BALBOA PARK PARKING UPDATES
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Balboa Park is outside of District 4, but it’s one of our City’s most loved spaces. In early August, Council reviewed two items on the future of parking there and the issues will be revisited once we resume council.
Item 600 was an informational update on the proposed Paid Parking Program, which would introduce tiered rates in surface lots, discounted passes for residents, and free parking for employees and volunteers, with revenues reinvested into park operations and improvements. I raised concerns about ensuring seniors, disabled visitors, and lower-income families are not left behind.
Item 601 established a Parking Meter Zone for streets like Park Boulevard and 6th Avenue. While this change is significant, the revenues will be reinvested into Balboa Park to support its long-term sustainability. I supported the ordinance but emphasized the need for fair implementation that addresses community concerns.
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SPECIAL-EVENT PARKING RATE INCREASES NEAR PETCO PARK
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While this change does not directly impact District 4, I know many of us spend time in Downtown, whether attending Padres games, concerts, or other special events at Petco Park. Starting September 1, parking meters within about a half-mile of the ballpark will increase to $10 per hour during large events that bring more than 10,000 people. The special-event pricing will begin two hours before the event and last until four hours after the start time.
City Council approved this change earlier this year as part of a broader package to modernize parking rules and address the City's budget challenges. The higher rates are intended to better manage demand during peak times and ensure that revenues collected are reinvested into local infrastructure. While the decision was not an easy one, the goal is to balance the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors while keeping our city financially stable.
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DR. LASHAE SHARP COLLINS HEALTH RESOURCE FAIR
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On August 2, I joined Assemblymember Dr. LeShae Sharp-Collins for a Health Resource Fair and Back-to-School Drive. Families were able to access important health services and community resources, while kids received backpacks and school supplies to start the year with confidence. Dr. Sharp-Collins continues to make a strong impact in District 4 by ensuring our kids are prepared for success and our families are supported with the tools they need. I am grateful for her leadership and commitment to our community.
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On August 5, we celebrated National Night Out across District 4 with neighbors, public safety teams, and community partners. The evening way filled with activities for the whole family, from community resource tables and food vendors to bounce houses, dancing, and live performances that brought neighbors together in a fun, safe environment. I am thankful to everyone who came out and made these events possible, with a special shout-out to Ms. Emilia, who has faithfully planned and hosted National Night out for the past 11 consecutive years.
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CHARLOTTE PATTON LOGAN DAY
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On August 3, we celebrated Charlotte Patton Logan Day, recognizing her decades-long commitment to uplifting youth through the arts, discipline, and cultural pride. This community festival honored her legacy with live performances, resources, and family-friendly activities rooted in the spirit of service and celebration. Ms. Logan’s impact continues to be felt across District 4 through the lives she has touched and the values she instills in others. It was an honor to stand alongside family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate her contributions and the lasting example she sets for our community.
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From August 12–14, my office hosted a round of Get It Done Days to help neighbors connect with City services. Together we installed the Get It Done app, walked the community, and submitted service requests for issues like potholes, streetlights, and sidewalk repairs. We also started and ended each day with fellowship at a District 4 business, and I want to thank Bowlegged BBQ, Fresheria, and Side Chick for their hospitality. These events continue to show the power of residents taking action by using City tools to make improvements in our neighborhoods. I look forward to more Get It Done Days to ensure we continue to build a stronger District 4, together.
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On August 12, I was honored to join SANDAG, the Urban Collaborative Project, and community partners to celebrate the launch of the fully electric Southeastern San Diego Microtransit Pilot. This program is about more than transportation—it’s about connecting residents to jobs, schools, and services while reducing emissions and protecting important spaces like the Chollas Creek watershed from further environmental damage. By expanding access and prioritizing sustainability, this pilot represents a major step toward building healthier, more accessible, and more resilient neighborhoods in District 4.
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HARVEY FAMILY FOUNDATION BACKPACK DRIVE
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On August 9, I was proud to support the Harvey Family Foundation and Barely See The Beach at their annual Backpack Drive. This incredible event brought families together to ensure that hundreds of students in District 4 returned to school ready for success. Beyond the school essentials, the day was filled with resources, activities, and encouragement that reminded our young people they have a whole community behind them. I am grateful to the Harvey Family Foundation and Barely See The Beach for their continued commitment to uplifting our youth and families across San Diego.
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SD Swap Meet
September 13, 2025
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
FAM MART Parking Lot
1755 Euclid Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
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Grand Opening: Chef Budda Blasian Soul Food
September 13, 2025
12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting at 2:00 pm
1960 54th St., San Diego, CA 92105
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CA Dept of Housing and Community Development (HCD)
Flood Recovery Presentation
September 15, 2025
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Jackie Robinson YMCA
151 YMCA Way, San Diego, CA 92102
hcd.ca.gov/grants-and-funding/recoverca
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Diamond BID Hispanic Heritage Social Mixer
September 17, 2025
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Market Creek Plaza - Festival Park
336 Euclid Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
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Encanto Community Clean Up
September 20, 2025
7:30 am - 11:30 am
Encanto Southern Baptist Church Parking Lot
6020 Akins Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
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I Love a Clean San Diego - Coastal Cleanup Day
September 20, 2025
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Chollas Creekside Park
5010 Market St., San Diego, CA 92102
Register Here: bit.ly/CCPark25
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Friends of Oak Park Library Mid-Autumn Festival
September 20, 2025
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Oak Park Library
2802 54th St., San Diego, CA 92105
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Friends of Malcolm X Library Annual Family Fun Day
September 20, 2025
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Valencia Park / Malcolm X Library
5148 Market St., San Diego, CA 92114
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The Ink on the Flo Art Show
September 20, 2025
4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Block Club
6403 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
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Open Mic (Every 4th Monday)
September 22, 2025
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Community Actor's Theatre
2957 54th St., San Diego, CA 92105
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San Diego Urban Warriors 7th Annual Black Family Empowerment Day
September 27, 2025
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Marie Wideman Park
6727 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
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Teen De-Stress Hour
Every Wednesday
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Oak Park Library
2802 54th St., San Diego, CA 92105
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Tai Chi Moving For Better Balance
Every Tuesday and Thursday
8:00 am - 9:00 am
Market Creek Plaza
366 Euclid Ave., Suite 502, San Diego, CA 92114
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Tree Planting and Park Beautification Project
October 3, 2025
9:00 am
Encanto Community Park
6508 Wunderlin Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
Register Here: tinyurl.com/3r65zske
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Wildfire Preparedness Safety Fair
October 5, 2025
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Mission Valley Mall
1640 Camino Del Rio N., San Diego, CA 92108
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San Diego Police Department Women's Hiring Expo
October 25, 2025
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Police Plaza
4020 Murphy Canyon Rd., San Diego, CA 92123
Register Here: tinyurl.com/mr3a47br
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Get It Done Issue @ Boone Park
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Get It Done Issue @ Federal Boulevard
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Get It Done Issue @ Spa Street
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This month, I am proud to highlight and welcome Chef Budda Blasian Soul Food to District 4. This fusion eatery has been serving up soul food with an Asian-inspired twist from their food truck for the past five years. Founded by Michael “Budda” Price and Lily Nachampasak during the pandemic, they quickly built a loyal following with comfort classics like crispy wings, mac & cheese, catfish, shrimp, papaya salad, sticky rice, and Lao curry. In June, they held a soft launch of their first brick-and-mortar location at 1960 54th Street in Rolando, and after pushing through a few setbacks, they are now ready to officially open their doors.
Their Grand Opening and 5-Year Anniversary Celebration takes place on Saturday, September 13 from 12–6 p.m., with the official ribbon cutting at 2 p.m. I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying their delicious dishes, including when they catered for the Lincoln High School football team during our celebration for them in the City Council office. Now, I encourage you to support local, enjoy authentic flavors, and celebrate Chef Budda's success story—whether at their new restaurant or by visiting their food truck. You can find their truck schedule on Instagram at @chefbuddasd. I am so proud that Chef Budda Blasian Food chose District 4 as the home for their first location and look forward to their continued success within our community.
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Want to make a difference in your neighborhood?
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Your voice matters. That’s why I created “Foster Fridays” to meet with you, the residents of District 4, on Fridays at the Southeastern Live Well Center. Email me to schedule an appointment: HenryFoster@sandiego.gov. I look forward to meeting you.
Office Hours: Fridays | 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM Location: Southeastern Live Well Center, 5101 Market St., San Diego, CA, 92114
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✔️ Report Issues
Use the GET IT DONE app to report potholes, streetlights, and more
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✔️ Join a Planning Group
Attend your local community planning group meetings
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Let’s build a stronger District 4, together.
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Councilmember Henry L. Foster III
City of San Diego Council District 4
City Administration Building 202 C Street #10A San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 236-6644
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