City Heights Area Planning Committee

Minutes - May-July 2025

C.H.A.P.C. minutes for July 7, 2025

1. Chairman Marcellus Anderson gaveled the meeting to order at 6:18PM and called the roll. María Córtez, Sneha Craig, Zamzam Fadhil, Jennipher Hager, Edwin Lohr, Denisse López, María López, Angela Martin, Mazda Mehraz, David Nelson, Nam Nguyen, Mary Otero, Victor Ponce, Patty Vaccariello, and Mark Van Milligan formed a quorum. Noema Aguilar, Tanya Brown, Dan Castañon, Ricardo Catano and Evihn Vasily were absent.

 

2. The minutes of June 2, 2025 were reviewed. María Córtez offered, Mark Van Milligan seconded a motion to approve. The Committee voted 15/0/0 and the motion passed.

 

3. María Córtez offered, Denisse López seconded a motion to approve the agenda as tendered. The Committee voted 15/0/0 and the motion passed.

 

4. Staff members from Council District-9 and from the Mayor’s office gave reports of City activities.

 

5. The Committee briefly discussed the computer programs available for virtual attendance. María Córtez, David Nelson, and Jim Varnadore offered comments.

 

6.1 The Chairman announced that Jodee Page is a candidate for the vacant At-large 25 seat. Edwin nominated and Patty seconded his nomination. The Committee voted 15/0/0, and Jodee Page was seated.

 

6.2 The Chairman introduced the City’s infrastructure priorities survey and reminded the Committee that individuals could connect to the website and participate; further that the Committee would be asked for its participation via an internet survey instrument.

 

6.3 Sylvia Ramírez from the City Heights C.D.C. made a report of the agency’s status and activities. There was a brief discussion.

 

6.4 The County Bicycle Coalition requested a letter of support for its CicloSDias, to be held later in the year; and described some of the temporary parking changes needed for the activity. After discussion, the Committee by a vote of 15/0/0 approved a letter of support for the activity.

 

6.5 Daniele Laman of the Colina del Sol Recreation Committee requested a letter of support to add Portia Dawson’s name to the recreation center at Colina Park. After discussion, Patty offered, Denisse seconded a motion to authorize a letter. The Committee voted 15/0/0, and the motion passed.

 

7. The Chairman offered comments about Committee administration and about potential sites for future meetings.

 

8. Committee members has offered comments at off-agenda comment.

 

9. The Chairman adjourned the meeting at 7:37PM.

 

City Heights Area Planning Committee

 

Meeting Minutes of Monday June 2, 2025 6:15 PM

 

City Heights/Weingart Branch Library

 

3795 Fairmount Avenue, San Diego, CA 92105

 

 

 

Board Member	City Heights District	Attendance
Maria Cortez	At Large	Present
Angela Martin	At Large	Present
Nam Nguyen	At Large - Third Chair	Present
Mark Van Milligan	At Large	Present
Ricardo Catano	Business	Present
Mazda Mehraz	Business	Present
David Nelson	Business	Present
Edwin Lohr	District 1 - Second Chair	Present
Evihn Vasily	District 1	Present
Denisse Lopez	District 2	Present
Jennipher Hager	District 2	Absent
Patty Vaccariello	District 3	Present
Marcellus Anderson	District 3 - Chair	Present
Noema Aguilar	District 3 - Secretary	Present
Mary Otero	District 4	Present
Maria Lopez	District 4	Present
VACANT	District 4	-
Dan Castanon	District 5	Present
Sneha Craig	School/Non-Profit	Present
Victor Ponce	School/Non-Profit	Present
Tanya Brown	Youth	Present
Zamzam Fadhil	Youth	Present

 

 

1. Call to Order

 

The meeting was called to order by the Chair.

 

2. Correction of Minutes – May 5, 2025

 

Corrections noted: Dennise Lopez was absent. David Nelson, Mark Van Milligan, and Nam Nguyen were

 

present. Item 5: Correct zip code to 92114.

 

Motion: David Nelson moved to approve the amended minutes.??‹

 

Second: Motion seconded by David Nelson.??‹

Vote: One abstention (Victor, due to absence); approved by all others.

 

3. Approval of the Agenda

 

Motion: David Nelson moved to approve the agenda.??‹

 

Second: Maria Cortez.??‹

Vote: Unanimous approval.

 

4. Staff Comment

 

?—???‹Fatima Maciel (Mayor Todd Gloria’s Office): Representative sent an email update covering homelessness, city achievements, and coalition messages. Chairman will forward via email.

 

?—???‹ Shukri (District 9 Representative): Present online.

?—‹??‹ Supporting City Heights communities (previously served by Francisco).

?—‹??‹ Final city budget review is ongoing.

?—‹??‹ City plans to introduce protection against utility overcharges.

?—‹??‹The Cost of Living Committee will meet again on June 25 at 9:00 AM to address a pay ordinance for tourism sector workers.

?—???‹ Sam (Office of State Senator Webber Pierson): Reminder—state budget deadline is June 15.

 

5. Off-Agenda Public Comment

 

?—???‹Mary Otero: Announced protest at City Hall on June 9 at 12:00 PM, prior to the 2:00 PM hearing.

 

?—???‹David Nelson: Noted homeowners are responsible for sidewalk maintenance; city charging a $2,100 permit fee.

?—???‹Nam Nguyen: Update on Mid-City Planning—next meeting June 25, 6:00–8:00 PM, location TBD, hybrid format. Meeting will address the existing conditions report and the vision report.

 

?—???‹Ricardo Catano (Business Owner): Concerned about homelessness and litter. Referred to Mid-City Homeless Coalition Meeting.

?—???‹Maria Lopez: Introduced Jody, interested in representing District 4. Will be placed on July agenda as an action item.

?—???‹Mark Van Milligan: Corridor Neighborhood Association has resumed activity and is seeking participants.

?—???‹ Noema Aguilar: Shared a community program opportunity.

 

6. Business Agenda

6.1. Community Housing Works – Affordable Housing in City Heights

 

?—???‹ Presenters: Roberto and Steve from Community Housing Works.

 

?—???‹ Project: Swift Avenue Apartments.

?—‹??‹ 57 total units; 20 reserved for veterans.

?—‹??‹ 55-year affordability commitment.

?—‹??‹ No parking included due to location in a high-resource area.

?—‹??‹Resident services include after-school programs, health/wellness services, and financial well-being support.

?—‹??‹ Timeline: Construction begins Spring 2026, completion by Spring 2028.

 

?—‹??‹ Affirmative marketing plan to prioritize locals (via lottery system).

 

6.2. Mid-City Community Advocacy Network (CAN) – Arts in the Park Letter of Support

 

?—???‹Mid-City CAN Youth Council advocated for $2.5 million in city budget for Officer Jeremy Henwood Park enhancements.

 

?—???‹ Art features “Memoria Terra” reflecting community and cultural themes.

 

?—???‹ City Council meeting scheduled for Friday, May 6.??‹

Motion: Edwin Lohr moved to submit a letter of support.??‹

Second: Dennise Lopez.??‹

Vote: Motion passed. Letter will be submitted.

 

6.3. SAY San Diego – Smoke Shop Regulations Letter of Support

 

?—???‹ Presentation by Tyler from City Heights Clean & Safe Coalition.

 

?—???‹ Request: Letter of support from the committee to advocate for smoke shop regulation.??‹

 

Motion: Patty Vaccariello moved to support.??‹

Second: Sneha Craig.??‹

Vote: Motion passed. Letter will be submitted.

 

7. Chair Comments

 

?—???‹ Will share training video link.

 

?—???‹ Google Drive invitation for interested members.

?—???‹Reminder from Nam Nguyen: Get involved in the Mid-City Planning Update process—community input is essential.

 

8. Adjournment

 

Motion: Edwin Lohr moved to adjourn.??‹

 

Second: Nam Nguyen.??‹

Vote: Approved. Meeting adjourned.

 

City Heights Area Planning Committee (CHAPC)
Meeting Minutes
Date: May 5, 2025
Time: 6:15 PM
1. Chair Marcellus Anderson called the meeting to order at 6:15 PM and conducted roll call.
Members Present:Dan Castanon, Mazda Mchraz, Edwin Lohr, Patty Vaccariello, Maria Cortez,
Tanya Brown, Jennipher Hager, Evihn Vasily, Maria Lopez, Mary Otero, Noema Aguilar
Members Absent:Victor Ponce, Rahmo Abdi, Brian Wintz
2. Correction to Minutes: Edwin Lohr moved to correct the previous minutes.
February Minutes: A motion to approve was made by Dennise Lopez and seconded by Mark Van
Milligan. Motion passed unanimously.
March Minutes: Motion by David Nelson, seconded by Maria Cortez.
Abstentions (due to absence): Jennipher Hager, Marcellus Anderson, Mary Otero, Noema
Aguilar.
Motion passed.
3. Evhin Vasily moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Patty Vaccariello. Motion passed
unanimously. Amendment: Item 6.3 postponed to June. Motion to approve amended agenda by
Patty Vaccariello, seconded by Maria Cortez. Amendment approved unanimously.
4. Sam Gonzalez, from State Senator Webber-Pierson’s office, provided updates on current
legislation and budget items. No prior requests were made by the committee.
5. David Nelson: Raised concerns regarding the City’s non-compliance with HUD federal
guidelines. Mentioned a lawsuit in Encanto against concentrating low-income housing in 92104.
Noted the trash fee bill was buried on page 7 of city documents.
Mary Otero: Voiced opposition to the trash fee, which has increased to $65 this year.
Nam Nguyen: Provided updates from the Mid-City Working Plan Update Group. The next
meeting will discuss a draft vision document for City Heights. Public comments welcome. Nam
will send out details.
Ozzy Menendez: Reported on the "Bailando in the Heights" event held May 3, 2025, with 400
attendees and 10–12 vendors. Rec Center and Tranqui Foundation are developing a community
wellness dance class.
Danielle Lawson: Represented the Park & Rec Board and Colina Del Sol Neighborhood Group.
Requested support to name the Colina del Sol Rec Center after Portia Dawson, a prominent Star
Pal member.
6. Business Agenda
6.1 Elections
Chair Nominee: Marcellus Anderson. Motion by Patty Vaccariello. Approved unanimously.
Vice Chair Nominees: Edwin Lohr (nominated by Patty and Jennipher), Noema Aguilar, Nam
Nguyen (nominated by Patty). Vote Results: Noema: 1 vote, Nam: 4 votes, Edwin: 10 votes.
Edwin Lohr elected Vice Chair
Second Vice Chair: Nominee: Nam Nguyen (nominated by Edwin). Vote Results: Nam: 13 vote,
Dennise: 2 votes. Nam Nguyen elected Second Vice Chair
Secretary: Nominee: Noema Aguilar. Elected unanimously
Parliamentarian: Nominee: Jim (nominated by Patty and Marcellus). Role: Ensure compliance
with Robert’s Rules, Brown Act, Bylaws (600-24). Elected unanimously
6.2 Presentation: City Heights Clean and Safe Coalition
Presentation focused on illegal activity in local smoke shops, which operate without meaningful
regulations or restrictions. I Love City Heights requested CHAPC support a petition and issue a
Letter of Support. Motion by Patty Vaccariello to place this petition as an agenda item at the next
meeting, seconded by Maria Cortez. Mark Van Milligan will collect signatures.
Contact: Tyler Linvill (SAY San Diego) – tyler.linvill@saysandiego.org
7. Chair will create a shared Google Document to track community events and support meeting
facilitation. Mandatory Virtual Training: Thursday, May 29, 5:00–7:00 PM
Open Seats:1 seat open in District 4. Chair-at-Large seat is open. Angela Martin confirmed
present and holding the At-Large seat.
8. Patty Vaccariello: Expressed concern that CHAPC agendas are not being distributed online;
requested Chair follow up.
Maria Cortez: Announced Hollywood Park Sports Day on May 17th.
Motion to adjourn by Edwin Lohr, seconded by Maria Cortez.
Meeting adjourned at 7:55 PM