619-236-6644 | HenryFoster@SanDiego.gov | @CD4Foster
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A MESSAGE FROM COUNCILMEMBER FOSTER
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As we step into fall, we enter the final months of the year and a season full of both reflection and celebration. With the holidays approaching — starting with Halloween — look out for our Halloween events calendar in this newsletter so your family can enjoy the fun happening across District 4.
Last month, I had the privilege of bringing forward and securing Council approval for the honorary street renaming in honor or Dr. Willie L. Morrow. We also took up difficult items like water rates and Balboa Park parking — you can read more about all inside this newsletter.
October also gives us the chance to celebrate the remainder of Hispanic Heritage Month, join in recognizing Filipino American History Month, and observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day — all opportunities to uplift the voices, traditions, and contributions of our city’s diverse communities.
As we reflect on this season, we must also acknowledge a profound loss for our community. It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Pastor Glenn A. McKinney, a faith leader whose compassion, wisdom, and service strengthened District 4. While his presence will be deeply missed, his legacy of love and leadership will continue to guide us.
Thank you for allowing me the honor of serving you. As we enter this holiday season, may we carry forward the spirit of community, gratitude, and hope — and finish the year strong together.
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Balboa Park Final Decision
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On September 15th, the City Council voted 6–2 to approve a new paid parking system for Balboa Park with the direction that fees would not begin until a quarterly or annual pass program is established and approved by City Council. Paid parking is anticipated to begin in January 2026.
I voted in favor because while this change is difficult, the alternative would have meant potential cuts to the very services our District 4 families depend on — including libraries, recreation centers, and park programs.
This was a tough decision, but my priority remains protecting critical neighborhood services in District 4 while also ensuring a sustainable path forward for Balboa Park.
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At our September 30th City Council meeting, we were asked to consider a proposal to raise water and wastewater rates — 63% for water and 31% for wastewater over the next four years. I could not approve that plan.
Our District 4 families are already dealing with higher costs for groceries, housing, utilities and most recently, trash. Adding another steep increase to water bills is not something I am willing to let our community carry.
While the City has real budgetary challenges we must find solutions that don’t come at the expense of working families who are already stretched thin. That is why I joined colleagues in voting to postpone this item.
The proposal will return to Council on October 28 at 2:00 p.m. Between now and then, I will continue pressing for transparency, accountability, and a plan that minimizes costs for our residents. My priority remains clear: protecting our neighborhoods and fighting to keep rates affordable.
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Last month, I voted YES on raising the minimum wage for thousands of San Diego’s tourism workers — including hotel housekeepers, cooks, and event staff — to $25 an hour by 2030.
This phased-in plan, starting next summer, is a step toward fair pay for our hospitality workers who make our hotels, ballparks, and event centers run every day. Too many working families, especially in communities like ours, have been left behind as the cost of living continues to rise.
Standing with workers means standing with San Diego’s future — and I’ll keep fighting to make sure this city works for all of us.
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On Monday, September 1st, I joined union members, community leaders, and working families at San Diego’s annual Labor Day Rally. Labor Day is about recognizing the people who keep our city running — the workers who build, teach, clean, serve, and protect. Standing alongside so many dedicated San Diegans reminded me why we fight for fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities that uplift every neighborhood. I’m grateful to everyone who continues to champion labor rights and economic equity across our city.
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On Labor Day, I had the pleasure of joining the OG Sandbox Association and the San Diego Original Black Panther Party for a Labor Day Community Picnic at Neal Petties Mountain View Community Park. From live jazz and blues by The Tony Muhammad Jazz Band and Lenny “Fuzzy” Rankins Blues Band to great food provided by the San Diego Original Black Panther Party, raffles, and community activities, the day was filled with music, connection, and celebration. This long-standing tradition continues to bring families, friends, and neighbors together — reminding us of the strength and spirit that define District 4. Special thanks to the Mountain View Recreation Group for their coordination.
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I LOVE A CLEAN SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY CLEANUP
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On Friday, September 20, my office — in partnership with I Love A Clean San Diego, The Urban Collaborative Project, and 68 volunteers — came together for a cleanup and revitalization project at Chollas Creekside Park, a valuable yet underutilized space in Southeastern San Diego. Together, we cleared litter, restored pathways, and brought new life to an area with tremendous potential for recreation and community connection. This effort was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when residents, community leaders, and local organizations unite for a shared purpose. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who showed up to help make District 4 better, together.
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On September 20, I joined our Lao community for the 10th Annual Lao Boat Racing Festival, a vibrant celebration that brought together families from across San Diego and beyond. I even got to lead the parade processional and enjoy some incredible Lao food alongside neighbors and friends. The energy throughout the day was inspiring—filled with music, tradition, and community pride. Thank you to the organizers, community leaders, and volunteers who made this milestone celebration possible, and to the Lao community for their welcoming warmth and embrace.
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CHEF BUDDA RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY
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Last month, on September 13th, I had the pleasure of celebrating the grand opening of Chef Budda’s new restaurant right here in District 4. Chef Budda has been serving San Diego with passion, creativity, and flavor for years — and this new space in our district marks an exciting milestone in his journey as a small business owner. It’s always inspiring to see local entrepreneurs turning their dreams into reality while creating jobs and opportunities in our neighborhoods. Congratulations to Chef Budda and his entire team on this well-deserved success!
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Lost Neighborhoods Exhibit
Now through May 31, 2026
10:00 am - 5:00 pm (Wed - Sun)
The San Diego History Center - Balboa Park
1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
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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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Open Mic (Every 4th Monday)
October 27, 2025
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Community Actor's Theatre
2957 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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Fishing for Kids (ages 15 and Under)
Every Saturday and Sunday
11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Chollas Lake
6350 College Grove Dr., San Diego, CA 92115
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Intro to Archery (ages 8 and up)
Every Saturday and Sunday
12:00 - 1:15 pm
Chollas Lake
6350 College Grove Dr., San Diego, CA 92115
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SD Swap Meet
November 1, 2025
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
FAM Mart Parking Lot
1755 Euclid Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
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Chollas Stewardship Fridays
Help clean, plant, and restore waterway
November 7, 2025
3:30 - 6:00 pm
Chollas Creekside Park
5050 Guymon St., San Diego, CA 92102
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Get It Done Issue @ Akins Avenue
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Get It Done Issue @ Dream Street
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Get It Done Issue @ Marjorie Drive
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This month, I am proud to highlight The Block Club, a collaborative space and community hub located at 6403 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92114. Co-founded by Phillip Coleman, President, and La Raza Webb, Chief Operations Officer, The Block Club was built to be more than just a meeting place—it’s a creative home where entrepreneurs, artists, and neighbors come together to build, share, and grow. With free office space, memberships, and programming designed to empower our community, they’ve opened the doors for collaboration and connection that uplifts local voices and ideas.
The Block Club has quickly become a model for what community-driven investment looks like. By offering a space where creativity and opportunity intersect, they’re helping San Diegans take their ideas from vision to reality. Whether you’re tapping into their resources, attending an event, or connecting with local changemakers, The Block Club is showing what’s possible when we create spaces built on equity, culture, and innovation.
I want to commend Phillip and La Raza for their vision and leadership in shaping a space that belongs to the community. Their work is proof of what happens when we invest in one another and create spaces designed for us to succeed. You can learn more at theblockclub.org and follow their journey on Instagram at @theblockclubsd.
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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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