In San Diego’s City Heights neighborhood, it is election season once again. Residents on Monday evening will choose their representatives for the City Heights Area Planning Committee, a local body that advises the city on planning decisions.
There are 11 available spots but only nine people are running to fill eight positions, leaving one contested race. Unfilled seats will remain empty, although write-ins are allowed provided the candidate meets eligibility requirements.
How To Vote
Monday, March 6, 2017
4:30 - 8 p.m.
6 p.m. candidate forum
Metro Career Center, 3910 University Ave., first floor
Voters must show photo ID and proof of residency
CHAPC Candidates
District 1 - Roddy Jerome
District 2- Maria Cortez, Tuan Luu
District 3- Abdullahi Yusuf
District 4 - Brian Green Carson
Business (2 seats) - Mazda Mehraz, David Nelson
At-large (2 seats) - Rickie Brown, Aracely Lara
An organizer with the nonprofit Mid-City Community Advocacy Network, or Mid-City CAN, said volunteers have called and visited hundreds of people urging them to participate in the voting process. Director of Campaigns and Policy Sean Elo said the push is about establishing a pattern of civic engagement and encouraging residents to use their voices.
“This is really about building power for City Heights so that the community has the ability to create the change and changes that they would like to see,” Elo said in a phone interview.
The phone bank and canvassing are a continuation of the get-out-the-vote efforts the group organized for the presidential election. Banners featuring City Heights residents who had pledged to cast their ballot last fall are still visible on some of the neighborhood's street lamps.
Mid-City CAN's focus on the elections could draw more people to the meetings. At times, they can be sparsely attended, said committee member Taylor McDonald.
McDonald, who also serves as co-chair of the elections subcommittee, said turnout can vary.
“Hot-topic issues like liquor licenses brings many community members, roughly 30 to 50," said McDonald, a real estate agent in the area. "Often times meetings are maybe 5 to 10 community members, so not all that well attended.”
Candidates must have attended at least one meeting in the last year and be a City Heights resident, business-owner, property holder or represent a school or nonprofit in the community. Adults who live, own property or run a business in City Heights may vote.
There are a total of 22 seats on the board, with one current vacancy, according to the website.
