Dear Inquirer,

 

Twenty-five years ago today, our country changed forever.


September 11, 2001, was the Tuesday of my second week of high school. For my generation, it became one of the defining events of our lives and forever shaped the way we understood America, our place in the world, and the freedoms we had too often taken for granted.


Today, we remember the nearly 3,000 people whose lives were taken, and we honor the extraordinary courage of the first responders, service members, the passengers on United Airlines Flight 93, and ordinary Americans who ran toward danger to save others.


But remembrance also carries an obligation. Thousands of survivors, first responders, recovery workers, and their families continue to live with cancers, respiratory illnesses, and other health consequences from the work they did in the days, months, and years after the attacks. We owe them more than our gratitude. We owe them our continued care and our commitment that they will never be forgotten or abandoned.


September 11 was not simply an attack on buildings, on New York, or even an attack on the United States. It was an attack on a way of life: on a free and open society, on the liberties that allow people of different faiths and backgrounds to live together, and on the democratic ideals that make our country unique and an inspiration for others. The terrorist attack we endured that day as a nation and the terror we felt that morning must not remain a point of fear. Indeed, the heroic and selfless response in the minutes, hours, and days after inspire me and millions of my generation to service to those ideals held dearly by those who gave the greatest sacrifice that day.


Twenty-five years later, honoring those we lost means remembering what was attacked, caring for those who still carry the consequences, and protecting the principles that endured.


I will never forget. We must never forget.
 

SDUT: New free YMCA portal makes finding childcare in San Diego County a lot easier

Looking for childcare? According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, it just got easier. The YMCA of San Diego County recently launched the area’s first free, countywide portal connecting families with care providers.

 

“What you’ll find at San Diego’s new portal, called childcaresandiego.com, is a free directory of thousands of local childcare providers and an easy-apply tool that lets you fill out your family’s info once and connect with programs — and apply for subsidies — with a few clicks.”

 

Funded by the state, the portal lists 5,758 childcare services (!!!), including summer and other school break camps. Families can also use the portal to apply for financial assistance. So far, 2,000+ families have used the tool to apply for subsidized childcare and connected more than 7,200 times with local childcare providers.

Kitchen table chats

I’ve been holding kitchen table chats throughout the district to sit down with city residents and discuss what’s impacting their day-to-day life as San Diegans and hear what’s on their mind.

 

Want to join in on the fun? If you’re interested in having me over for a kitchen table chat, let me know by responding to this email.

National preparedness month: Wildfire safety tips from the San Diego Humane Society and ASPCA

For National Preparedness Month, and in response to forecasts that the 2026 fire season will be one of the most active on record in the U.S., the San Diego Humane Society and ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) are sharing wildfire awareness tips and safety precautions to help keep California residents – including their pets – safe. 

 

Knowing how to keep your family safe – including your pets – can make the difference between life and death during wildfires. Lifesaving wildfire preparedness tips include:

  • Be familiar with the three wildfire evacuation levels
  • Prepare emergency supplies
  • Arrange a safe haven
  • Practice advanced crating
  • Plan for large animals
  • Confirm vaccination status
  • Update identification
  • If a wildfire is burning near you, leave early and take your pets

The San Diego Humane Society offers pet disaster preparedness information and downloadable checklists and window decals at sdhumane.org/disasterprep. More ASPCA wildfire preparedness tips and information can be found here and here.

SDUT: Padres to call up top prospect Ethan Salas for playoff push

Last Week, the Padres called up top prospect Ethan Salas for the playoff push. As reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune: “Salas, ranked as the 23rd-best prospect in baseball by MLB.com, has been playing in Triple-A for a month and has hit .326 with a .949 OPS in 24 games there. He began the season in Double-A.”

 

Salas was signed in 2023 at just 16 years old. Despite setbacks due to performance and a back injury, he – now 20 years old – is the youngest active player in the major leagues. What an exciting get for our team. Go Pads!

Help plan the future of MTS service

As MTS looks to address the future of public transportation service, they are currently building out plans and would like input from the community.   

 

This effort is called MTS OnTrack, and you can help plan the future of MTS service. The plans created from MTS OnTrack will help determine MTS’s priorities for the next decade. This is the time to make your voice heard.

 

Learn more about OnTrack and participate in the Transit Shop activity to pick what projects you want to see in San Diego transit’s future.  

 

Participate by September 18 for your feedback to be included in the planning efforts. Get involved today.

 

Sincerely,

 

Councilmember Raul A. Campillo
District 7
San Diego City Council
 

Office of Councilmember
Raul A. Campillo
City Administration Building
202 C Street, 10th Floor
San Diego, CA 92101

 

619-236-6677

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