619-236-6644 | HenryFoster@SanDiego.gov | @CD4Foster
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A MESSAGE FROM COUNCILMEMBER FOSTER
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Dear Neighbors,
As the season comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the work, celebrations, and progress we have shared across District 4 this summer.
Since June, we have finalized and implemented the City’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget, secured important investments for our neighborhoods, continued pushing for stronger infrastructure and City services, and advanced conversations around accountability, housing, public safety, and quality of life.
We have also spent the summer where we belong: out in the community. From Juneteenth celebrations and the Encanto Block Party to Parks After Dark, back-to-school events, neighborhood cleanups, Get It Done Days, and the unveiling of Dr. Walter G. Wells Street, it has been a busy and meaningful season across District 4.
The City Council returned from legislative recess on August 24, and we are already back to work. As we move through September, Council is expected to consider several important citywide issues, including how San Diego approaches self-driving vehicles while protecting local decision-making, public safety, and workers, as well as a review of the City’s federally funded housing and community development programs.
Looking ahead to October, proposed changes to the City’s water rate structure will return for a public hearing. This newsletter includes important information about the proposal, the Proposition 218 process, and how residents can make their voices heard before that decision returns to Council.
In this Summer 2026 edition, you will find highlights from across the season, along with upcoming events, resources, and important information as we move into fall.
Thank you to every resident, volunteer, community organization, small business, and partner who showed up, stayed engaged, and helped strengthen our neighborhoods this summer.
Together, we will continue building a safer, stronger, and more equitable District 4.
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Henry L. Foster III Councilmember, District Four
City of San Diego
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ADDRESSING GRAFFITI AND SERVICE EQUITY
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On June 17, I brought forward an item examining the Transportation Department’s suspension of contracted services, including graffiti abatement.
District 4 is impacted by graffiti at higher rates than many other parts of the city, and reduced service levels can leave our neighborhoods waiting longer for concerns to be addressed. Graffiti is not only a quality-of-life issue, but it can also affect neighborhood safety, community pride and economic investment.
Following the committee discussion, my office invited the Transportation Department for a tour of District 4 neighborhoods to identify graffiti hotspots and discuss a more proactive approach to addressing it on private property.
I will continue working to improve coordination, strengthen mitigation efforts and ensure the communities most affected by service reductions are not overlooked. As part of that effort, my office helped secure more than $2 million in FY27 funding for graffiti abatement, providing additional resources to address this issue more effectively across the city and in neighborhoods like ours.
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ACCOUNTABILITY FOR CITY SETTLEMENTS AND JUDGEMENTS
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On June 17, I brought forward an item examining the significant financial impact of City settlements and judgments on taxpayers.
Over the last six years, the San Diego Police Department has paid approximately $117 million in settlements and judgments, including cases involving allegations of excessive force, wrongful death and civil rights violations. These costs represent funding that could otherwise support essential neighborhood services, infrastructure improvements and community programs.
The discussion focused on the need to better understand what is driving these expenses, whether patterns exist across cases, what corrective actions have been taken and how the City can reduce preventable liability moving forward.
I called for greater transparency, annual reporting on settlement and judgment trends and stronger accountability measures to help identify recurring issues before they result in additional harm and financial loss. In July, I followed through by strengthening the City’s FY27 Budgetary Principles to require an annual report on lawsuit settlements and judgments as part of the budget process.
This new requirement will give the San Diego City Council and the public a clearer picture of claim counts, costs and how taxpayer dollars are being spent. Protecting taxpayer dollars requires the City to learn from past incidents, address underlying problems and take meaningful steps to prevent them from happening again.
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FAIR AND RESPONSIBLE CONTRACTING
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On June 8, I voted NO on Item 604, an ordinance approving a contract with AskReply, Inc., doing business as B2Gnow, for contract and labor compliance software.
I could not support replacing a certified Black woman-owned firm with a non-certified firm at more than double the cost. The City should be working to expand opportunities for minority-owned businesses while remaining responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.
Having previously served as the City’s Equal Opportunity Contracting Manager, I understand the importance of fair competition, transparency and accountability in the contracting process.
I will continue advocating for policies that promote equal opportunity, support qualified local and diverse businesses, and ensure public funds are spent responsibly.
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EMERALD HILLS PROJECT MOVES FORWARD
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On July 7, the City Council approved staff’s recommendation and denied the appeal related to the Emerald Hills Project, allowing the development to move forward.
The project will bring 123 single-family homes to District 4, including 13 affordable homes for moderate-income buyers. It will also include four pocket parks, an on-site pedestrian trail system, and an open neighborhood design that connects residents to Emerald Hills Park and the surrounding community. Additional improvements include new sidewalks, landscaping, lighting, storm drain upgrades, and street widening along 60th Street.
The development is expected to generate approximately $3.5 million in Development Impact Fees to support community improvements, while creating construction jobs and expanding pathways to homeownership in District 4.
I understand that change can be difficult, and I appreciate every resident who participated in the public process and shared their perspective. As the project moves forward, I will continue advocating for accountability, safe neighborhoods, stronger infrastructure, and responsible development that supports both current and future residents.
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STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY VOICES IN POLICE OVERSIGHT
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On July 13, the City Council approved appointments to the Commission on Police Practices, including four District 4 residents: James Tyrrell Ruland of Paradise Hills, Crystal Van Dyke of Emerald Hills, Rashida Lamar Hameed of Lincoln Park and Scott Rodriguez of Skyline Hills.
The Commission provides independent civilian oversight of the San Diego Police Department, and it is important that District 4 voices with lived experience are represented in that work. I was proud to see members of our community selected to help strengthen accountability, transparency and public trust.
On July 14, I also supported the reappointments of Lupe Luzano-Diaz and Clovis Honore as at-large commissioners. Serving on the Commission requires a tremendous level of commitment and dedication, and I consider it one of the most critical boards and commissions in the City because of the role it plays in reviewing public safety practices and strengthening accountability.
I believe civilian oversight should reflect the communities it serves and include people who understand how public safety policies and practices affect residents in their everyday lives.
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PROPOSED WATER RATE CHANGES: MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
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On July 14, I voted NO on Item S506, which began the Proposition 218 process required by the court ruling in Patz v. City of San Diego. The ruling requires the City to replace its tiered water rates with a unitary rate structure beginning January 1, 2027.
The change will not increase total water-system revenue, but it will shift how costs are distributed. Lower-volume users may see modest increases, while higher-volume users may see decreases. I remain concerned about the impact on District 4 households and other communities already facing rising costs.
The City will mail Proposition 218 notices with information about the proposed rates, protest process, and public hearing on October 6, 2026, at 2 p.m.
I strongly encourage residents to review the notice, submit a valid protest form if they oppose the proposal, and attend the October 6 hearing to make their voices heard. If the City receives 132,968 valid protests, the City cannot move forward with adopting the new rates.
Review the informational graphics below and visit sandiego.gov/rate-adjustments for updates and hearing details.
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DISTRICT 4 STREETS OVERVIEW TOUR
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On July 15, my office joined the City’s Transportation Department for a field tour of District 4 to review street conditions and discuss infrastructure needs throughout our neighborhoods. The tour gave us an opportunity to visit priority areas, examine ongoing maintenance challenges firsthand, and speak directly with Transportation staff about the repairs and long-term improvements our communities need.
This visit built on our recent mill-and-pave press conference, where my office pressed City staff on the need to dedicate more funding to street repairs in District 4 and other communities that have gone too long without adequate investment. Safe, well-maintained streets affect every part of daily life, from walking and driving to accessing schools, businesses, parks, and transit.
I appreciate the department’s partnership and the opportunity to identify practical solutions together. That advocacy helped secure more than $10 million in FY27 funding for District 4 road improvements, covering approximately 36 miles of roadway. My office will continue to follow up on the concerns raised during the tour and push to ensure these investments translate into safer, better-maintained streets across our neighborhoods.
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ENSURING FAIR VALUE FOR CITY-OWNED PROPERTY
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At the August 25 City Council meeting, I called for San Diego to adopt a stronger, more strategic approach to negotiating leases for City-owned property.
As California’s second-largest city, we should negotiate from a position of strength and ensure our public assets work in the best interests of our residents. The City recently increased its revenue share at the privately operated Fairbanks Ranch Country Club, but that raises a broader question about our entire golf lease portfolio and whether we are maximizing the value of these agreements.
Several City golf leases are in holdover status, including some that have remained so for years after expiration. I want the City to have a clearer understanding of its full “book of business” so we can better track these agreements, prioritize negotiations and act when opportunities arise.
Being good stewards of taxpayer dollars means knowing what our assets are worth, managing them responsibly and making sure we are not leaving revenue on the table. At a time when the City is facing ongoing budget challenges, every opportunity to strengthen revenue matters. Those dollars can help protect the services residents rely on, including library hours, parks, recreation centers and other essential programs and services.
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On June 3, it was a pleasure to join residents, families, and City staff to celebrate the long-awaited reopening of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Swimming Pool at MLK Community Park and Recreation Center. After 18 months of closure and major renovations, the pool reopened just in time for summer, restoring an important neighborhood space for children, families, and seniors to swim, stay active, and spend time together. This is what investing in our communities looks like, and I appreciate everyone who helped complete the work and bring this valued facility back into service.
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RESTORING ARTS & CULTURE FUNDING
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On June 5, I joined Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee, County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe, and arts and culture advocates to call for the restoration of funding in the City’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Arts and culture programs create opportunities for local artists, strengthen neighborhood identity, support small businesses, and give residents of all ages more ways to connect with their community. I was proud to help advance a plan that ultimately restored significant funding for this work, and I appreciate the organizations, artists, and community members who continued speaking up for the value these programs bring to San Diego.
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HONORING PASTOR DR. WALTER G. WELLS
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CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH AT CITY HALL
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On June 16, it was an honor to recognize Juneteenth with a proclamation and flag-raising ceremony at the City Administration Building. Community members, City leaders, employees, and local organizations gathered to reflect on the meaning of freedom, honor the strength and resilience of Black communities, and recognize the generations who continued the fight for justice and equality. Juneteenth is both a celebration and a reminder that progress must be protected through truth, accountability, and continued action. I appreciate everyone who joined us in marking this important moment and helping ensure the history, contributions, and voices of Black San Diegans remain visible and valued.
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COOPER FAMILY FOUNDATION JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
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DUMPSTER DAY AT WILLIE HENDERSON PARK
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On June 27, Team Foster joined residents, volunteers, and community partners at Willie Henderson Sports Complex for Dumpster Day and a neighborhood cleanup focused on keeping our public spaces clean, safe, and welcoming. Community members rolled up their sleeves, safely disposed of mattresses, electronics, metal items, and other unwanted materials, and worked together to improve the area. Events like this help reduce illegal dumping, make it easier for families to remove bulky items, and strengthen the sense of pride and responsibility we share for our neighborhoods. I appreciate everyone who gave their time, showed up for the community, and helped care for the spaces we all call home.
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ENCANTO BLOCK PARTY + MUSIC FESTIVAL
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DR. WALTER G. WELLS STREET UNVEILING CEREMONY
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PARKS AFTER DARK AT SKYLINE HILLS REC WITH CHUCKY LOZANO
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On July 23, families and neighbors gathered at Skyline Hills Recreation Center for a special Parks After Dark celebration featuring San Diego soccer star Hirving “Chucky” Lozano. Residents enjoyed an evening of games, activities, and community fun while young fans had the opportunity to meet one of the sport’s biggest stars right here in District 4. Events like this activate our parks, create safe and welcoming spaces for families, and give young people memorable opportunities to connect with role models. Thank you to Verizon, the San Diego Parks Foundation, Parks and Recreation staff, and everyone who helped bring this special evening to our community.
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BACK-TO-SCHOOL READY AT JACKIE ROBINSON YMCA
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CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF CHARLOTTE PATTON LOGAN
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On August 1, it was an honor to join our community and San Diego FC for Charlotte Patton Logan Day, celebrating a legacy of leadership, service, and commitment to generations of young people. The day also gave us an opportunity to recognize Saladin Martin, a Lincoln High School graduate, Super Bowl champion, and coach who returned home to invest in the next generation. Moments like this remind us how important it is to honor those who helped shape our community while uplifting the people continuing that work today. Thank you to everyone who helped make the celebration a meaningful reflection of our history, our youth, and the people who continue pouring into District 4.
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KICKING OFF THE SEASON WITH THE SKYLINE HILLS TIGERS
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581 REPORTS (JUNE) 377 REPORTS (JULY) 368 REPORTS (AUGUST)
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Get It Done Issue @ Chollas Lake Open Space
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Get It Done Issue @ Ocean View Blvd.
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Get It Done Issue @ Skyline Dr & Valencia Pkwy.
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SAN DIEGO BLACK ARTS + CULTURE DISTRICT
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The San Diego Black Arts + Culture District continues to grow as an important center for culture, creativity, economic opportunity, and community connection in the heart of Encanto.
Located along Imperial Avenue between 61st and 69th Streets, the nine-block district was created to preserve and celebrate San Diego’s Black history while supporting artists, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and neighborhood investment. The corridor has long been part of San Diego’s Black experience, and the district helps connect that history with new opportunities for arts, culture, youth engagement, and economic growth.
Marie Widman Memorial Park is an important part of that work. Named in honor of longtime civil rights and community leader Marie Widman, the park has become a gathering place for artists, families, and community events. This summer, that vision was on full display during the Encanto Block Party + Music Festival, which brought residents together for live music, local vendors, family activities, and a celebration of the culture and energy that make District 4 special.
The district also reached an important milestone with the release of its Strategic Plan, which provides a long-term roadmap for strengthening arts and cultural programming, supporting local businesses and artists, activating public spaces, preserving Black history, and encouraging continued investment along the Imperial Avenue corridor.
Established through unanimous San Diego City Council approval in 2022, the San Diego Black Arts + Culture District is overseen by the San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art in collaboration with its advisory committee and community partners. I appreciate everyone working to move this vision forward and create a place where our history is preserved, our culture is celebrated, and future generations have more opportunities to create, connect, and thrive.
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Oak Park Dumpster Day
September 5, 2026
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Chollas Lake Gloria's Mesa Parking Lot
5924 College Grove Dr., San Diego, CA 92115
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Market Creek Plaza Community Open House
September 9, 2026
4:00 pm - 7:00 am
Market Creek Plaza
336 Euclid Ave., Suite 501, San Diego, CA 92114
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Tech on the Go Program
"Online Banking & Shopping"
September 10, 2026
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Malcolm X / Valencia Park Library
5148 Market St., San Diego, CA 92113
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Chollas Blue Green Vision Site Visit
September 15, 2026
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Meeting at Castana St and 47th St
San Diego, CA 92102
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Tech on the Go Program
"Utilities and the Camera App"
September 17, 2026
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Malcolm X / Valencia Park Library
5148 Market St., San Diego, CA 92113
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11th Annual Lao Boat Racing Festival
September 19, 2026
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tecolote Shores North, Mission Bay Park
1600 East Mission Bay Dr., San Diego, CA 92109
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Stewardship Saturdays
September 19, 2026
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Chollas Creekside Park
Market Street @ Euclid, San Diego, CA 92102
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Tech on the Go Program
"Social Media"
September 24, 2026
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Malcolm X / Valencia Park Library
5148 Market St., San Diego, CA 92113
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Emerald Hills Community Trail Walk
September 25, 2026
3:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Emerald Hills Neighborhood Park
1501 Kelton Rd., San Diego, CA 92114
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Butterfly Release Party
September 26, 2026
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Paradise Hills Library
5922 Rancho Hills Dr., San Diego, CA 92139
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Unit 30: American Legion Auxiliary
End of the Year Summer Party
August 29, 2026
2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
465 47th St., San Diego, CA 92102
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MAAC Waste Management
Fee Assistance Program Clinic
September 30, 2026
10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Malcolm X / Valencia Park Library
5148 Market St., San Diego, CA 92113
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Older Adult Resource Fair
September 30, 2026
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Bay Terraces Community & Senior Center
7445 Tooma St., San Diego, CA 92139
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Fall Harvest & Pumpkin Patch
October 3, 2026
8:00 am - 9:00 pm: Community Cleanup
9:00 am - 7:00 pm: Community Event
4425 Home Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
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Multicultural Festival Day
October 4, 2026
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Market Creek Plaza Amphitheater
336 Euclid Ave, San Diego, CA 92114
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Fall Carnival
October 16, 2026
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Paradise Hills Recreation Center
6610 Potomac St., San Diego, CA 92139
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Thriller Thursday Halloween Event
October 22, 2026
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Encanto Recreation Center
6508 Wunderlin Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
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Fall Festival
October 23, 2026
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Bay Terraces Community & Senior Center
7445 Tooma St., San Diego, CA 92139
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Halloween Carnival
October 30, 2026
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Willie Henderson Sports Complex
1045 S 45th St., San Diego, CA 92113
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Halloween Pumpkin Archery Party
October 31, 2026
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Chollas Lake Park
6350 College Grove Dr., San Diego, CA 92115
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Dinner with the Bulls Thanksgiving Event
November 19, 2026
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Encanto Recreation Center
6508 Wunderlin Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
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Gobble & Give
November 21, 2026
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Mountain View Community Center
641 S Boundary St., San Diego, CA 92113
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Southeast Art Team SD Mural Maintenance
Every Second Saturday
9:00 am
Various Mural Locations
For Info: SESDcollective@gmail.com
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Open Mic / Neo Soul
Every Third Saturday
5:00 - 9:00 pm
The Mental Bar
6325 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
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Intro to Archery (Adults Only)
Every Monday
4:00 - 5:00 pm
Chollas Lake Park
6350 College Grove Dr., San Diego, CA 92115
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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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Teen Tuesdays
Every Tuesday
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Oak Park Library
2802 54th St., San Diego, CA 92105
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Bingo Night
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)
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Community Actor's Theatre
2957 54th St., San Diego, CA 92105
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Morning Mingle Walk (Seniors Only)
Every Wednesday
9:00 - 10:00 am
Chollas Lake Park
6350 College Grove Dr., San Diego, CA 92115
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Stroller Story Time (0- 4 years old)
Every Wednesday
12:00 - 1:00 pm
Chollas Lake Park
6350 College Grove Dr., San Diego, CA 92115
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Needles, Hooks & Good Books: Knitting and Crocheting
Every Saturday
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Oak Park Library
2802 54th St., San Diego, CA 92105
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Intro to Archery (ages 8 and up)
Every Saturday and Sunday
12:00 - 1:00 pm
Chollas Lake Park
6350 College Grove Dr., San Diego, CA 92115
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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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APPLICATION DEADLINE APPROACHING
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Senior Resources & Centers
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Call Center - 800-339-4661
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Discover resources and support services for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their families.
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Services:
Help with living at home
Healthy Living
Meals & Senior Dining
Safety Mental Health
Financial/ Legal Health Insurance Services
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795 S. Boundary Street
San Diego, CA 92113
Phone: 858-221-2225
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Hours: Wednesdays 9:00–2:00 pm **must be enrolled**
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Services:
Healthy breakfast and lunch
Arts & Crafts
Painting classes
Exercise
Field Trips
Health and nutrition education
Transportation
Walking group
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570 S. 65th Street
San Diego, CA 92114
Phone: 619-266-2066
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Activities:
Glide and Stride Walkers Wednesdays 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Feelin’ Fit Exercise Wednesdays and Fridays 10:30–11:30 a.m.
Line Dancing Thursdays 1:00–2:00 p.m.
S.W.A.G (Single Widowed Adult Group) Third Thursday 12:30 p.m. (Call to confirm)
Feeding San Diego Food Distribution Fourth Thursday 11:30–2:30 p.m.
Friday Lunch Noon–2:00 p.m.
Congregate at GLS Senior Center
Pick-ups & Homebound (call to request by Thursdays at 3 p.m.)
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7445 Tooma Street
San Diego, CA 92139
Phone: 619-527-7632
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Activities:
Karaoke Jam Session Monday - Friday 10:00 am–noon
Line Dancing Monday - Friday 10:00 am–noon
Golden Zumba Wednesdays 3:00–4:00 pm
Beginners Ballroom Dancing First and Third Thursday of the month 2:00–4:00 pm
Evening Line Dancing Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:30–5:30 pm
Zumba - Adult Fridays 3:00–4:00 pm
Serving Seniors Monday - Friday 12:30–1:30 pm
Free meals to seniors 50+
Weekend meals available for pickup
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Calling All Lincoln High School Hornets – Class of 1976
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If you are a graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School’s Class of 1976, your 50-year reunion is coming up.
Class President Debra D. Ann Roberson is gathering classmates and preparing for this special milestone celebration.
Class of 1976 is encouraged to connect and stay updated by reaching out to Debra at dr524604@gmail.com.
Please share this with any classmates you know so the entire class can be part of this reunion.
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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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Henry L. Foster III
Councilmember, District 4
City of San Diego
City Administration Building 202 C Street #10A San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 236-6644
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