Speak City Heights

Nonprofit Brings Cheap Laptops To San Diego's Low-Income Families

Dec. 27, 2018: By Tarryn Mento

The San Diego Futures Foundation sells refurbished computers to residents that make under a certain amount each year to help address a gap in access.

State Moves Forward On Study Of Language Services For Non-English Speaking Patients

Dec. 24, 2018: By Tarryn Mento

It has taken more than two years, but California is finally making some progress toward improving medical interpretation services for patients who don't speak English.

What SDPD Is Doing With All That Identity Data It Must Collect Under New Mandate

Dec. 21, 2018: By Tarryn Mento

The San Diego Police Department must share data required under the Racial and Identity Profiling Act (RIPA) with the state next year and is planning to produce its own local analysis but is releasing the raw data before then.

After Years As Youth Volunteer, City Heights Activist Hired To Lead Others

Dec. 17, 2018: By Tarryn Mento

The newest community organizer at the nonprofit Mid-City Community Advocacy Network has a long history of pushing for change in her neighborhood and now hopes to inspire others.

Policing Tactics Can Affect Health Inequity, Association Says

Nov. 23, 2018: By Tarryn Mento

An association of public health officials unveiled policy and research announcements in San Diego during its annual conference.

Mama's Kitchen Sells 4,000 Pies To Feed The Critically Ill

Nov. 21, 2018: By Katie Schoolov

One local charity sells 4,000 pies before Thanksgiving, hoping to raise $140,000 for those in need.

Old Globe Helps Underserved Communities Tap Into Their Inner Playwrights

Nov. 21, 2018: By Tarryn Mento

Plays written by residents in communities that don't frequent the theater will appear on stage as part of a storytelling workshop that can lead to professional opportunities.

The Battle Over Art And Safety On San Diego's Streets

Nov. 12, 2018: By Tarryn Mento

The discussion in City Heights is the latest decorative crosswalk debate that comes amid a years-long struggle in Hillcrest, where a separate but similar project may finally come to fruition.

County Receives Surprise Notice About Increased Funding For Refugee Programs

Nov. 8, 2018: By Tarryn Mento

A decrease in refugee arrivals to San Diego also meant less funding for programs that help them get jobs, but a state letter about funding this year shows the county will receive more than 2017.

City Heights Get Out The Vote Effort About More Than Just Election Day

Nov. 5, 2018: By Tarryn Mento

The campaign from Mid-City Community Advocacy Network is part of a multi-year plan to establish long-term community advocacy habits.

San Diego County Has 17K More Youth Voters Than In 2016 — Here's Why

Nov. 1, 2018: By Megan Burks

During the 2014 midterm elections, 22 percent of millennials turned out to vote. This year, an estimated 63 percent of 18 and 19-year-olds alone plan to vote.

Prop 10 Brings Rent Control Debate Boiling To The Surface

Oct. 24, 2018: By Tarryn Mento

California’s Proposition 10 would help clear the way for local jurisdictions to expand or implement rent control, but opponents think it would further harm the housing affordability crisis.

Activists Push For Environmental Justice In San Diego Neighborhoods

Oct. 22, 2018: By Erik Anderson

Environmental activists push for benefits to San Diego's low-income neighborhoods as the city advances plans to meet tough climate action plan goals.

Drivers Ed Helps Women Refugees Navigate Road To Self-Sufficiency

Oct. 18, 2018: By Tarryn Mento

Weekdays are a struggle for Abir Aldabbagh and her family. With four children attending different schools, Aldabbagh’s husband — the family's only licensed driver — juggles shuttling the kids to class with his job as a rideshare driver.

Lawsuit Challenging SD Unified Elections Seeks To Invalidate This Year’s Board Races

Oct. 1, 2018: By Megan Burks

A lawsuit says San Diego Unified School Board elections disenfranchise minority voters. It seeks changes to how the elections are run and asks the court to invalidate next month’s school board election.

Budget Cuts, Layoffs And Closures Hit Refugee-Serving Organizations

Sept. 25, 2018: By Tarryn Mento

The administration's recent announcement to slash refugee arrivals for this upcoming fiscal year is causing uncertainty for people overseas and also affecting organizations assisting newcomers in the U.S.

State Looks To Local Organizations For Help Counting All Californians In 2020 Census

Sept. 10, 2018: By Tarryn Mento

The state effort comes amid new challenges posed by the upcoming federal survey.

Mid-City Program That Addresses School-To-Prison Pipeline Looks To Expand

Aug. 29, 2018: By Tarryn Mento

Organizers behind a limited program that steers youth offenders away from detention are exploring expanding to other communities.

Little Saigon To Get Cultural Landmark Sign On I-15 Freeway

Aug. 27, 2018: By Tarryn Mento

The Legislature is expected to push forward a plan to direct motorists from the freeway to the Little Saigon Cultural and Commercial District in San Diego's City Heights neighborhood.

How City Heights Is Trying To Protect Its Multicultural Roots

Aug. 21, 2018: By Tarryn Mento

City Heights groups want to tap a state tool to protect the community's residents and businesses in the face of San Diego's booming housing market and looming gentrification.

Taco-Centric Fiesta Highlights Diversity In City Heights

Aug. 13, 2018: By Tarryn Mento and Mika Kanke / Media Arts Center of San Diego

Tacos, culture and community — that’s the focus of the monthly Fiesta on the Avenue event in the Mid-City neighborhood.

Literacy Camp Brings Books And Animals To City Heights Kids

Aug. 10, 2018: By Katie Schoolov

City Heights children met some new furry and scaly friends at the Weingart Library Friday, in a program designed to keep kids interested in reading during summer vacation.

State Still Seeking Vendor For Medical Interpretation Study Nearly Two Years Later

Aug. 9, 2018: By Tarryn Mento

A law passed in September 2016 calls for the study of current medical interpreter requirements and suggestions for pilot projects.

Rady Seeking Volunteer Interpreters To Expand Health Education Program

July 23, 2018: By Tarryn Mento

Organizers are looking for support from bilingual speakers to expand an initiative that provides wellness instruction to parents and young kids.

First African-American Commander US Navy Aircraft Carrier Honored In San Diego

July 3, 2018: By Jade Hindmon

San Diego County’s Urban League hosted a salute to African-American military leaders. One of those leaders, who made naval history, is retired Admiral Larry Cleveland Chambers. He commanded the USS Midway.