October 2025 Newsletter
October 30, 2025
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Follow Mid-City CAN’s social media for the latest info This Month's Spotlight:
Español en la parte de abajo | Spanish below |
Riding into fall with wins, wheels, and youth power
As we welcome the fall season, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the progress and victories that have marked the past month here at Mid-City CAN. From bike giveaways to award nominations, our youth and advocacy teams continue to lead with heart, vision, and action. Here’s a look at all the great things that recently happened!
On Saturday, September 20, Youth Council members gathered at Teralta Park for an exciting bicycle workshop. Thanks to our awesome new partnership with the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition and San Diego Bicycle Collective, all 18 youth who attended learned bike safety tips and rode away with donated bicycles!
Youth Council members shared their joy and gratitude after receiving their bikes:
- "I'm so thankful for my new bike and I love it so much. I can't wait to use it for weekend rides and trips to the park," said Aisha.
- "I’m grateful that I actually got my first bike. Been waiting for this moment. I was excited and happy that I got to receive a bike for myself, and super excited to ride my bike to school, my friends house and family and cousins!" said Alton.
- "This is my first two-wheeler bike. When I received the bike, I felt very grateful and excited. I felt my inner child come out. I will use my bike at the park with my brother for fun," said Alondra.
A huge thank you to the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition for providing helmets and lights, the San Diego Bicycle Collective for donating the bikes, and Mid-City CAN for purchasing the locks. Special thanks also to San Diego Parks & Rec and City Heights CDC for helping transport them. It was an unforgettable day of community, learning, and riding. Click here to see the photos!
And speaking of moving forward, Youth Council has been nominated for Circulate San Diego’s 2025 Innovation Award! This huge honor comes in recognition of their impactful campaign to revitalize Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park, a project that began on January 2023. Through determination, organizing, and leadership, the youth successfully secured a total of $4.25 million from the City of San Diego's budget, including an incredible $2.5 million this year alone — all during a tough city budget cycle.
The Momentum Awards will be held on Friday, October 25 at Quartyard in downtown San Diego and we’ll be cheering them on every step of the way! Whether they bring home the award (we’re crossing our fingers!) this nomination already speaks volumes about the impact these young leaders are having in San Diego.
Youth Council is also stepping into a brand-new chapter of leadership. Last month they held their first-ever elections. Youth members ran for leadership positions, campaigned, and voted for their new representatives, officially forming a leadership committee. Congratulations to everyone who participated!
Meanwhile, our Improving Transportation in City Heights (ITCH) team has been meeting with SANDAG to discuss SB 840 — which could fund the Youth Opportunity Pass beyond June 2026 — and to provide input on SANDAG’s Climate Action Plan.
The Draft San Diego Regional Climate Action Roadmap is now open for public comment! Read the roadmap here and be sure to share your feedback here by October 17. On September 30, Policy Advocate Guadalupe and Transportation Justice Organizer Karely represented Mid-City CAN at the Free Ride Day and California Clean Air Day press conference at the Old Town Transit Center. These events, held on October 1, promoted the importance of sustainable, accessible transit and cleaner air for our communities.
Our Youth Justice Momentum Team is urging California Governor Gavin Newsom to sign AB 1376, a bill that would stop "endless probation" for youth in community supervision and bring more fairness to California’s juvenile justice system.
Youth Justice Organizer Alejandro has been working closely with our amazing interns, who are bringing fresh energy and creativity to the team. They’ve been focused on team building, taking on new roles, and launching key projects. Intern Sasha created the flyer for our upcoming YJMT meeting, while Brisa and the girls are leading our Youth Justice social media efforts, including launching a TikTok account and starting a podcast to amplify youth voices and uplift justice issues.
All in all, October has been a month of momentum, growth, and celebration. From receiving brand-new bikes to being nominated for a regional advocacy award, Mid-City CAN’s youth has had an incredible season of leadership, learning, and impact. Your support helps us continue creating opportunities like these for youth to grow, lead, and thrive. Donate today to keep the momentum going!
Upcoming Events
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Time and Date |
Event and Location |
Details |
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Monday, October 13, 2025 |
Improving Transportation in City Heights (ITCH) meeting Mid-City CAN Office 4305 University Ave., Suite 550 San Diego, CA 92105 |
For this meeting we will discuss our campaign demands for 2025 and have updates from SANDAG and MTS. More info: Karely at [email protected] Register |
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Thursday, October 30, 2025 |
Youth Justice Momentum Team meeting Mid-City CAN Office 4305 University Ave., Suite 550 San Diego, CA 92105 |
You're invited to our next Youth Justice Momentum Team meeting where we will continue strategizing and advocating for a Department of Youth Development in the County of San Diego. Dinner will be provided! More info: Alejandro at [email protected] |
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Monday, November 10, 2025 |
Improving Transportation in City Heights (ITCH) meeting Mid-City CAN Office 4305 University Ave., Suite 550 San Diego, CA 92105 |
Join the team meeting as we continue discussions on extending the Youth Opportunity Pass and start planning the end-of-year holiday celebration this December! More info: Karely at [email protected] Register |
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Every Friday |
Youth Council gathering Mid-City CAN Office 4305 University Ave., Suite 550 San Diego, CA 92105 |
Youth Council is OPEN for young people ages 13-18 that reside in San Diego County. And yes, there's delicious food during every meeting! Join by clicking here. No adults please - this is a space for young people only. |
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Español en la parte de abajo
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Entrando al otoño con victorias, ruedas y el poder de la juventud
Al darle la bienvenida al otoño, nos estamos tomando un momento para celebrar el progreso y las victorias que han marcado el último mes en Mid-City CAN. Desde la entrega de bicicletas hasta las nominaciones a premios, nuestros jóvenes y nuestros equipos de apoyo continúan liderando con corazón, visión y acción. ¡Aquí les presentamos todas las grandes cosas que han sucedido recientemente!
El sábado 20 de septiembre, los miembros del Consejo Juvenil se reunieron en el Parque Teralta para un emocionante taller de ciclismo. Gracias a nuestra excelente colaboración con la Coalición de Bicicletas del Condado de San Diego y el Colectivo de Bicicletas de San Diego, los 18 jóvenes que asistieron aprendieron consejos de seguridad ciclista y se llevaron bicicletas donadas.
Los miembros del Consejo Juvenil compartieron su alegría y gratitud luego de recibir sus bicicletas:
- "Estoy muy agradecida por mi nueva bicicleta y me encanta. No puedo esperar a usarla para paseos de fin de semana y viajes al parque", dijo Aisha.
- "Estoy agradecido de haber conseguido mi primera bicicleta. Había estado esperando este momento. Estaba emocionado y feliz de poder recibir una, ¡y súper emocionado de ir en bicicleta a la escuela, a casa de mis amigos, a mi familia y a mis primos!", dijo Alton.
- "Esta es mi primera bicicleta de dos ruedas. Cuando recibí la bicicleta, me sentí muy agradecida y emocionada. Sentí que salía mi niña interior. Usaré mi bicicleta en el parque con mi hermano para divertirme", dijo Alondra.
Un enorme agradecimiento a la Coalición de Bicicletas del Condado de San Diego por proporcionar cascos y luces, al Colectivo de Bicicletas de San Diego por donar las bicicletas y a Mid-City CAN por comprar los candados. Un agradecimiento especial también a Parques y Recreación de San Diego y al CDC de City Heights por ayudarnos a transportarlas. Fue un día inolvidable de comunidad, aprendizaje y ciclismo. ¡Haz clic aquí para ver las fotos!
Y hablando de seguir adelante, ¡el Consejo Juvenil ha sido nominado al Premio a la Innovación 2025 de Circulate San Diego! Este gran honor reconoce su impactante campaña para revitalizar el Parque Conmemorativo del Oficial Jeremy Henwood, un proyecto que comenzó en enero de 2023. Gracias a su determinación, organización y liderazgo, los jóvenes lograron obtener un total de $4.25 millones del presupuesto de la Ciudad de San Diego, incluyendo la increíble suma de $2.5 millones solo este año, todo durante un ciclo presupuestario municipal muy difícil.
Los Premios Momentum -permios de impulso- se entregarán el viernes 25 de octubre en Quartyard, en el centro de San Diego, ¡y los animaremos en cada paso del camino! Ya sea que se lleven el premio a casa (¡estamos cruzando los dedos!), esta nominación ya dice mucho del impacto que estos jóvenes líderes están teniendo en San Diego.
El Consejo Juvenil también está iniciando una nueva etapa de liderazgo. El mes pasado celebraron sus primeras elecciones. Los jóvenes se postularon para puestos de liderazgo, hicieron campaña y votaron por sus nuevos representantes, formando oficialmente un comité de liderazgo. ¡Felicidades a tod@s l@s que participaron!
Mientras tanto, nuestro equipo de Mejora del Transporte en City Heights (ITCH) se ha estado reuniendo con SANDAG para discutir la SB 840, que podría financiar el Pase de Oportunidades para Jóvenes más allá de junio de 2026, y para brindar aportes sobre el Plan de Acción Climática de SANDAG.
¡El Borrador de la Ruta Regional, de Acción Climática de San Diego, ya está abierto a comentarios públicos! Puedes leer la hoja de la ruta aquí y compartir tus comentarios aquí antes del 17 de octubre. El 30 de septiembre, la defensora de políticas públicas, Guadalupe, y la organizadora de Justicia en el Transporte, Karely, representaron a Mid-City CAN en la conferencia de prensa del Día del Transporte Gratuito y el Día del Aire Limpio de California en el Centro de Tránsito de Old Town. Estos eventos, ambos celebrados el 1 de octubre, promovieron la importancia del transporte público sostenible y accesible, y de un aire más limpio para nuestras comunidades.
Nuestro Equipo de Impulso a la Justicia Juvenil insta al gobernador de California, Gavin Newsom, a firmar la AB 1376, un proyecto de ley que detendría la "libertad condicional interminable" para los jóvenes en supervisión comunitaria y aportaría más equidad al sistema de justicia juvenil de California.
Alejandro, el organizador de Justicia Juvenil, ha estado trabajando estrechamente con nuestros increíbles pasantes, quienes aportan energía renovada y creatividad al equipo. Se han centrado en fomentar el espíritu de equipo, asumir nuevos roles y lanzar proyectos clave. La pasante Sasha creó el folleto para nuestra próxima reunión de YJMT, mientras que Brisa y las chicas lideran nuestras iniciativas en redes sociales de Justicia Juvenil, incluyendo el lanzamiento de una cuenta de TikTok y un podcast para amplificar las voces de los jóvenes y visibilizar los problemas de justicia.
En resumen, octubre ha sido un mes de impulso, crecimiento y celebración. Desde la recepción de bicicletas nuevas hasta la nominación a un premio regional de defensa, los jóvenes de Mid-City CAN han tenido una temporada increíble de liderazgo, aprendizaje e impacto. Tu apoyo nos ayuda a seguir creando oportunidades como estas para que los jóvenes crezcan, lideren y prosperen. ¡Dona hoy para mantener el impulso!
www.midcitycan.org/donatePróximos eventos
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Hora y fecha |
Detalles del evento y la ubicación |
Detalles |
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Lunes, 13 de Octubre de |
Mejorando el Transporte Público en |
En esta reunión, discutiremos las demandas de nuestra campaña para 2025 y recibiremos actualizaciones de SANDAG y MTS. Más información: Karely en [email protected] |
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Jueves, 30 de Octubre de |
Reunión del Equipo en Movimiento de Justicia para Jóvenes |
Te invitamos a la próxima reunión del Equipo Impulso de Justicia Juvenil, donde continuaremos desarrollando estrategias y abogando por un Departamento de Desarrollo Juvenil en el Condado de San Diego. ¡Se ofrecerá una cena! Más información: Alejandro en [email protected] |
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Lunes, 10 de Noviembre de |
Mejorando el Transporte Público en |
Únete a la reunión del equipo para continuar las conversaciones sobre la extensión del Pase de Oportunidad Juvenil y comenzar a planificar la celebración navideña de fin de año este diciembre. Más información: Karely en [email protected] |
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Todos los Viernes |
Reunión del Consejo de la Juventud |
El Consejo de la Juventud está ABIERTO para jóvenes de 13 a 18 años, residentes del condado de San Diego. ¡Y sí, habrá comida deliciosa en cada reunión! Únete haciendo clic aquí. No se admiten adultos; este espacio es solo para jóvenes. Más información: Paloma en [email protected]. |
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August 2025 Newsletter
August 19, 2025
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Follow Mid-City CAN’s social media for the latest info This Month's Spotlight:
Español en la parte de abajo | Spanish below |
A Summer of Purpose: 2025 Youth Artivism in Review
Thanks to supporters like you, this year’s Artivism program empowered youth to express themselves through art, explore issues that matter, and build lifelong leadership skills. After five incredible years, the impact is growing and we’re committed to taking it even further!
“It was just a great experience, and I think everyone should try this at least once in their lifetime. If you’re a youth, please check it out — and thank you so much for having me!” — Olie, 2025 Artivism student
A $100 donation covers art supplies and field trip transportation for one youth during the program. Your gift helps create a safe, creative space where youth can grow, lead, and speak up about what’s happening in their communities.
Let’s keep building this movement — one young changemaker at a time! Please consider making a donation today.
Mid-City CAN proudly wrapped up our 5th Youth Summer Artivism Program — a four-week journey where youth used art to explore and amplify the issues impacting their lives and communities. Congrats to our incredible students for their creativity, courage, and commitment to making their voices heard!
Partnering once again with The AjA Project, Artivism provided a powerful space for learning, self-expression, and connection. Students explored two key topics — immigration and due process — and turned these complex issues into bold visual statements through the creation of two large-scale paper-mâché puppets, which they named Maria and Lady Liberty. Maria was inspired by the challenges many Hispanic and Latino communities face today. She represents a young girl who stands for her country and her people.
Among the striking details of the Lady Liberty puppet are tape in the shape of an "X" sealing her mouth and a cage that she's holding containing flags of many nations, representing dreams confined and freedoms denied.
The students debuted their puppets with a lively mini-parade during Parks After Dark at Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park in City Heights on August 1. They were joined by members of Fern Street Circus and Friends of Friendship Park as they walked around the park with the music of Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” playing in the background.
For Jon, who along with Anthony read their poem to the crowd, the experience was both meaningful and memorable.
"I got to work with new people and do this new creation that just started out as an idea that now is a reality. My favorite part is a mixture of four things: making the puppet Maria, she's a beauty. Meeting a lot of the (MCC and AjA) staff, and being provided with so much support, materials, food, and water. Not a lot of programs do that. I'm looking forward to doing it again," said Jon.
Click here to watch the Artivism video!
For Olie, the impact was deeply personal:
"What I love most about Artivism is having a community where we talked about problems in our everyday life — we talked about immigration and due process. My family has been affected by it and I know a lot of others who have too. This program makes me want to wake up every day and start working on it. We did cool puppets, cool field trips, we had amazing food. It was just a great experience," Olie said.
The Artivism space is about more than art — it’s about youth leadership, healing, and hope.
Sabrina, who’s entering her junior year of high school, shared what made the program special to her.
"With so much ongoing things happening with immigration and due process, it’s nice to have a youth space to talk about it. A safe place where your ideas are respected and collaboration is welcome. You get to work on a project, express yourself through art, and be the change you want to see in your community — even if it's just through a message or idea," said Sabrina.
Mid-City CAN's Artivism continues to grow as a vital platform for youth to explore their identities, advocate for justice, and connect through creativity. With your support, we can ensure Artivism continues to thrive and that every young voice has the chance to be heard. Click here to make a donation.
Mid-City CAN featured on KUSI News!
On Sunday, August 3, Alejandra, Mid-City CAN's Director of Strategic Engagement, and Jon, a student from our Summer Artivism Program, were featured live on KUSI News with anchor Jason Austell! They shared the inspiring work behind our 2025 Youth Artivism Program and highlighted how Mid-City CAN continues to uplift youth voices and drive community change through creativity and advocacy. Huge thanks to KUSI for spotlighting our youth and the movement we're building together! Click here to watch the interview!
Upcoming Events
Time and Date |
Event and Location |
Details |
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Thursday, August 28, 2025 |
Youth Justice Momentum Team meeting 37ECB (Juvenile Court and Community School) 3720 El Cajon Blvd. San Diego CA, 92105 |
Our Youth Justice Momentum Team has been gaining momentum with huge attendance in our meetings! We'll have updates in our ongoing Ending Girls Incarceration campaign and there will be food and refreshments! More info: Alejandro at [email protected] |
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Thursday, September 4, 2025 |
Networking Night: Ending Girls Incarceration Price Philanthropies Building 4305 University Ave. Suite 640 San Diego, CA 92105 |
We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Networking Night this September where we’ll be focusing on Ending Girls Incarceration. Join us for a meaningful discussion featuring youth voices, families impacted by incarceration, community partners, and more. It will be an evening of connection, learning, and collective action. More info: Alejandro at [email protected] |
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Monday, September 8, 2025 |
Improving Transportation in City Heights (ITCH) meeting Mid-City CAN Office 4305 University Ave., Suite 550 San Diego, CA 92105 |
We'll continue to discuss MTS OnTrack and planning for San Diego's transit future. Join our momentum team meeting as ITCH is working to extend the Youth Opportunity Pass beyond June 2026! More info: Guadalupe at [email protected] Register |
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Every Friday |
Youth Council gathering Mid-City CAN Office 4305 University Ave., Suite 550 San Diego, CA 92105 |
Youth Council is OPEN for young people ages 13-18 that reside in San Diego County. And yes, there's delicious food during every meeting! Join by clicking here. No adults please - this is a space for young people only. |
Español en la parte de abajo
Un Verano con Propósito: Artivismo para Jóvenes 2025 en Resumen
Gracias a colaboradores como tú, el programa Artivismo de este año empoderó a los jóvenes a expresarse a través del arte, explorar temas importantes y desarrollar habilidades de liderazgo para toda la vida. Después de cinco años increíbles, el impacto está creciendo y nos comprometemos a llevarlo aún más lejos.
Sencillamente fue una experiencia fantástica, y creo que todos deberían tenerla al menos una vez en la vida. Si eres joven, no te la pierdas. ¡Muchas gracias por invitarme! — Olie, estudiante de Artivismo 2025.
Una donación de $100 cubre materiales de arte y el transporte para las excursiones de un joven durante el programa. Tu donación ayuda a crear un espacio seguro y creativo donde los jóvenes pueden crecer, liderar y hablar abiertamente sobre lo que sucede en sus comunidades.
¡Sigamos construyendo este movimiento, un joven creador de cambios a la vez! Por favor, considera hacer una donación hoy mismo.
Mid-City CAN culminó con orgullo su 5.º Programa de Verano, Artivismo para Jóvenes: una experiencia de cuatro semanas donde los jóvenes utilizaron el arte para explorar y difundir los problemas que afectan sus vidas y comunidades. ¡Felicidades a nuestros increíbles estudiantes por su creatividad, valentía y compromiso para hacerse escuchar!
En colaboración una vez más con el Proyecto AjA, Artivismo brindó un espacio enriquecedor para el aprendizaje, la autoexpresión y la conexión. Los estudiantes exploraron dos temas claves: la inmigración y el debido proceso, y transformaron estos complejos problemas en impactantes manifestaciones visuales mediante la creación de dos marionetas de papel maché a gran escala, a las que llamaron María y la Dama Libertad. María se inspiró en los desafíos que enfrentan muchas comunidades hispanas y latinas hoy en día. Representa a una joven que defiende a su país y a su gente.
Entre los detalles llamativos de la marioneta Dama Libertad, se encuentran una cinta en forma de "X" que cierra su boca y una jaula que contiene banderas de muchas naciones, que representan sueños confinados y libertades negadas.
Los estudiantes estrenaron sus títeres con un animado mini desfile durante Parks After Dark (Parques Después del Anochecer) en el Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park en City Heights el 1 de agosto. Se les unieron miembros de Fern Street Circus y Friends of Friendship Park mientras caminaban por el parque con la música de "This Land Is Your Land" de Woody Guthrie sonando como música de fondo.
Para Jon, quien junto con Anthony leyó su poema a la multitud, la experiencia fue significativa y memorable a su vez.
Tuve la oportunidad de colaborar con gente nueva y crear esta nueva creación que empezó como una idea y ahora es una realidad. Mi parte favorita fue la combinación de cuatro cosas: hacer la marioneta María, que es una belleza; conocer a gran parte del personal (de MCC y AjA) y recibir tanto apoyo, materiales, comida y agua. No muchos programas hacen eso. Tengo muchas ganas de volver a hacerlo", dijo Jon.
¡Haz clic aquí para ver el resumen en vídeo del programa de Artivismo 2025!
Para Olie, el impacto fue profundamente personal:
Lo que más me gusta del Artivismo es tener una comunidad donde hablamos de problemas cotidianos: hablamos de inmigración y el debido proceso. Mi familia se ha visto afectada por ello y conozco a muchas otras personas que también viven a través de lo mismo. Este programa me da ganas de despertarme cada día y empezar a trabajar en él. Hicimos títeres geniales, hicimos excursiones geniales y comimos de maravilla. Fue una experiencia fantástica», dijo Olie.
El espacio que nos brinda el programa de Artivismo es más que arte: se trata de liderazgo juvenil, sanación y esperanza.
Sabrina, quien está comenzando su tercer año en la preparatoria, compartió lo que hizo que el programa fuera especial para ella.
Con tantos asuntos en curso relacionados con la inmigración y el debido proceso, es bueno tener un espacio para jóvenes donde hablar de ello. Un lugar seguro donde se respetan tus ideas y se le da la bienvenida a la colaboración. Puedes trabajar en un proyecto, expresarte a través del arte y ser el cambio que quieres ver en tu comunidad, aunque sea solo a través de un mensaje o una idea», dijo Sabrina.
El programa de Artivismo de Mid-City CAN continúa creciendo como una plataforma vital para que los jóvenes exploren sus identidades, defiendan la justicia y se conecten a través de la creatividad. Con tu apoyo, podemos garantizar que nuestro programa de Artivismo siga prosperando y que cada voz joven tenga la oportunidad de ser escuchada. Haz clic aquí para hacer una donación.
¡Mid-City CAN aparece en el Noticiero de KUSI!
El domingo 3 de agosto, Alejandra, nuestra Directora de Participación Estratégica de Mid-City CAN, y Jon, estudiante de nuestro Programa de Artivismo de Verano, aparecieron en vivo en el noticiero KUSI News con el presentador Jason Austell. Compartieron la inspiradora labor de nuestro Programa de Artivismo para Jóvenes 2025 y destacaron cómo Mid-City CAN continúa impulsando las voces de los jóvenes e impulsando el cambio comunitario a través de la creatividad y la abogacía. ¡Muchísimas gracias a KUSI por destacar a nuestros jóvenes y el movimiento que estamos construyendo juntos! ¡Haz clic aquí para ver la entrevista!
Próximos eventos
Hora y fecha |
Detalles del evento y la ubicación |
Detalles |
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Jueves, 28 de Agosto de |
Reunión del Equipo en Movimiento de Justicia para Jóvenes |
Nuestro Equipo de Impulso para la Justicia Juvenil ha |
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Jueves, 4 de Septiembre de |
Noche de Conexiones: Erradicación |
Nos complace invitarlos a nuestra próxima Noche de |
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Lunes, 8 de Septiembre de |
Mejorando el Transporte Público en |
Seguiremos hablando del programa MTS OnTrack y la planificación del futuro del transporte público de San Diego. ¡Únase a la reunión de nuestro equipo de |
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Todos los Viernes |
Reunión del Consejo de la Juventud |
El Consejo de la Juventud está ABIERTO para jóvenes de 13 a 18 años, residentes del condado de San Diego. ¡Y sí, habrá comida deliciosa en cada reunión! Únete haciendo clic aquí. No se admiten adultos; este espacio es solo para jóvenes. Más información: Paloma en [email protected]. |
For an MTS OnTrack tutorial visit our ITCH page by clicking here
VIDEO: Relieve the Artivism Youth Parade during Parks After Dark!
August 08, 2025
Catch the highlights from our 2025 Summer Youth Artivism Program where creativity met community! From bold ideas to giant paper-mâché puppets, our students lit up Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park during Parks After Dark. You have to see this magic for yourself. Watch the brilliance unfold! Click here to see photos from the celebration!
Networking Night focuses on the future of transportation
July 15, 2025
On Thursday, June 26, Mid-City CAN hosted an exciting Networking Night, bringing together an enthusiastic crowd of community members and Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) representatives for an evening about the future of transportation. MTS CEO Sharon Cooney kicked things off by addressing two key issues: the looming fiscal crisis MTS faces and the importance of the Youth Opportunity Pass (YOP).
"The good thing is we have some time. We have three years before we hit that fiscal cliff if we can't find new revenues," said Cooney. "Also, if we do find new revenues, we're looking at the possibility of expanding transit and really re-envisioning transit with the abundance that any revenues could bring to us."
She also highlighted the impact of YOP, sharing how her teenage sons and their friends have used the pass to explore San Diego during the summer. "It really does open doors, and this organization (Mid-City CAN) in particular really was spearheading the effort to get that moving," Cooney added. YOP is slated to end on June 2026 and our Improving Transportation in City Heights (ITCH) team continues to meet monthly and advocate for its extension.
MTS Manager of Marketing and Communications Stacie Bishop followed and presented the Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA), a tool designed to pinpoint opportunities for improving the transit system. COA looks at how changes to routes, schedules, and services might affect ridership and equity, while also considering how these adjustments could impact MTS's budget. "At MTS, that's our ultimate goal - we want to make public transit work better for more people," she said.
Community members then provided feedback through a 15-minute mapping activity, where they marked areas in San Diego that could benefit from enhanced transit services. After, they broke into groups for 20-minute discussions led by MCC staff, where they shared their transportation priorities.
It was a fun and impactful evening where guests had their voices heard and also enjoyed delicious Thai food from So Saap, making the night both insightful and flavorful! Click here to view photos.
Youth Justice Interns shine during youth symposium
July 15, 2025
Youth Justice interns Mariah, Israel, Sasha, and Kamor with organizer Alejandro were thrilled to participate in RFK's 2025 Transformation of Youth Justice Symposium in La Jolla from June 18-20! Mariah and Israel took the stage to share their unique perspectives with a diverse audience of over 40 stakeholders including teachers, principals, probation officers, and youth advocates. Day 2 saw Sasha and Mariah lead a powerful conversation on Ending Girls' Incarceration, collaborating with Youth Empowerment and the Office of Youth and Community Restoration. The interns shared their poetry and offered invaluable insights on best practices, proving just how transformative youth empowerment can be in these discussions. Congratulations to our incredible interns for their leadership! Related: Click here to see photos from our last Youth Justice meeting in collaboration with Youth Empowerment.
Youth Council transforms Henwood Park with $4.25M funding
July 15, 2025
For the past three years, a group of determined young leaders has been showing up at the City Administration Building in downtown San Diego with one goal in mind: to transform Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park in the heart of City Heights into the vibrant, safe, and welcoming community space it deserves to be.
In the summer of 2025, all of their hard work paid off.
Thanks to their persistent advocacy, Youth Council has secured an additional $2.5 million from the City of San Diego's budget, bringing the total park renovation funding to an incredible $4.25 million!
City Council Approves $2.5 Million for Henwood Park
June 13, 2025
Youth Council and Mid-City CAN are excited to share that on Tuesday, June 10, City Council finalized the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and it includes $2.5 million to fund Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park! The budget now moves to Mayor Todd Gloria for his signature to make it official. Thank you to Youth Council for your dedication and advocacy! We thank everyone involved who showed up at the hearings, signed an Action Network Letter, and responded to any other call to action that we made. Special thanks to the councilmembers for listening to the community and prioritizing a budget that reflects the people’s needs. Click here to tell Mayor Gloria to sign the finalized budget which also restores library hours in low-income neighborhoods and more. We’ll share an update as soon as the mayor signs the budget.
Related: Youth Council in the media!
Campland 2025 Recap
June 13, 2025
Mid-City CAN's Youth Council members have been working hard on their campaign to upgrade Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park. On Tuesday, June 10 City Council approved the $2.5M funding for Henwood Park and the next step is for Mayor Todd Gloria to sign the finalized budget!
After all the advocacy and speaking during the May budget hearings, they were ready for a break before heading back to City Hall for more hearings in June.
From Friday, May 30 to Sunday, June 1, the youth embarked on a fun-filled and memorable trip to Campland on the Bay in San Diego! Over the course of the weekend, the youth immersed themselves in a variety of exciting outdoor activities: they kayaked and paddle-boated across calm waters, swam under the sun and relaxed in the hot tub. Click here to read more.
Youth Essay: Denley Reflects on Park Campaign
June 09, 2025
The following essay is by Youth Council member Denley. He will be a junior at El Cajon Valley High School in the fall and has been part of Mid-City CAN's Youth Council and their advocacy to revitalize Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park in City Heights since March 2024.
I immigrated to the United States right before my ninth birthday from Taiwan. I carried a dream that America was what its biggest supporters said it was and I hoped it was a land of opportunity.
I've always dreamed of being part of something greater than myself. I joined Mid-City CAN with the hope of helping to drive meaningful change and becoming part of a new generation of better leaders.
Youth Council May 2025 budget hearing
May 13, 2025
Youth Council returned to City Hall on May 5, 2025 for the FY26 proposed budget hearing to advocate for funding for Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park in City Heights. Their advocacy for the past two and a half years has resulted in receiving $1.75 million from the City of San Diego's budget. The funds will be used to upgrade the 2-5 children's playground at the park. However, $2.5 million is needed to fund the 5-12 year old playground at Henwood Park. Click here to read their testimonials.
4th Health and Pride Resource Fair
May 12, 2025
Mid-City CAN was proud to host our 4th Annual Health and Pride Resource Fair on Sunday, May 4, 2025 at Wilson Middle School in City Heights and our message rang loud and clear: "Hands Off Gender-Affirming Healthcare!" We stand united in protecting the health and dignity of all our community members! The fair brought together 20 amazing organizations including TransFamily Support Services, Family Health Centers of San Diego Hillcrest, and San Diego Public Library. Guests also enjoyed a food distribution hosted by Feeding San Diego. Antonio Page-Khan, representing the Legal Aid Society of San Diego, Inc., presented LASSD’s Gender-Affirming Healthcare Toolkit. Click here to see photos.
Arts in the Park: Session 2
May 10, 2025
Mid-City CAN and The AjA Project was thrilled to host Art in the Park Session 2 at Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park on Friday, April 25! Community members enjoyed seeing four exciting stations and learned about new features coming to the park including art in the restrooms and new playgrounds! They also enjoyed free delicious tacos and swag! View the new playground designs by clicking the link below:
Playground Designs Unveiled!
April 11, 2025
The design for the playgrounds at Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park has been finalized and Mid-City CAN's Youth Council are excited to share the details! Click here to view the playground designs from multiple perspectives. We need your help to complete the rest of the park upgrades by urging Mayor Todd Gloria to allocate the necessary funding!
Support Youth Council’s campaign by emailing Mayor Gloria!
Join their effort to secure funding for the playground for children ages 5-12 and the Adult and Youth Fitness Area! With a couple quick clicks - we already wrote the message for you - email Mayor Todd Gloria to ask him to fund the children's 5-12 year old playground and the Adult & Youth Fitness Area at Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park. Click here to read the full story.
Click here to email Mayor Todd Gloria
Youth Council's Outdoor Adventures
April 11, 2025
It has been an adventurous past couple of months for our Youth Council members!
They experienced indoor rock climbing at Mesa Rim Climbing Center, took surfing lessons at La Jolla Shores, and spent two nights at the beautiful Joshua Tree National Park.
It was part of an experience giving them access to outdoor spaces, promoting healthy lifestyle choices, and engagement with nature — made possible through The Prebys Foundation’s initiative, Healing Through Nature.
ITCH team asks SANDAG to extend YOP
April 02, 2025
Our Improving Transportation in City Heights (ITCH) team and colleagues at Youth Empowerment spoke during the SANDAG Board of Directors meeting on Friday, March 28 to advocate for the extension of the Youth Opportunity Pass (YOP) beyond June 2026.
ITCH member Maria Cortez shared a wonderful story with SANDAG board members while making her public comment.
"When I'm taking the bus or the trolley and I see them (youth) use the (YOP) pass, I tell them thank you and that we got this started - it was for you guys. And they said, 'Thank you, ma'am, because now, we're able to get to our high schools. We're able to to go places where we haven't had the chance to before. Please thank SANDAG for us.'"
Alexis, Chief of Program and Development at Youth Empowerment, talked about the importance of YOP to youth and also for their organization which has a limited budget.
"We have taken youth who are born and raised in San Diego to the beach for the first time in their entire lives. That is extremely, extremely upsetting. Cutting the Youth Opportunity Pass program is going to be very damaging to grassroots organizations like ours. It is the only way that we were able to bring our kids on these enrichment activities," she said.
"I'm hoping that we can work together to identify how we can keep this going. Our young people need us to do better for them. Our young people need opportunities. To go out of their communities and bring back all the positivity and beautifulness that San Diego has to offer to them.
Please do right by our youth. Please do right by San Diego and continue to support the Youth Opportunity Passes. It is the future."
Our team members also held up signs reminding SANDAG about the countless benefits of continuing YOP. The program aligns with Mayor Todd Gloria's priority of giving "access to opportunities" to every San Diegan. Ridership also remains at a high level.
E-mail SANDAG to let them know to extend YOP!
Public Comments
Follow us on social media @midcitycan as we'll post updates on how to help us advocate to extend YOP!