January 2025 Newsletter
Civic Health team to raise mental health awareness
Happy New Year! We're excited to kick off 2025 with renewed energy and new events!
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), youth in the United States are facing a mental health crisis, with symptoms of depression on the rise.
In response to this crisis, our Civic Health team is expanding its outreach to students, introducing exciting new initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of mindfulness and mental health. Team members Rapha, Karlita, and Layvin will be tabling at middle schools, high schools, and colleges to introduce an immersive sensory experience designed to help students de-stress and connect with mental health resources available.
At our interactive stations, students can unwind with soothing aromatherapy using essential oils, relax to calming rain sounds, and discover a variety of tactile activities. As they explore our table, we'll highlight Soluna and BrightLife Kids — two amazing apps designed for young people ages 13-25, and for caretakers and families of children under 12, respectively. Both apps are free to use and require no insurance or referrals.
Mid-City CAN Awarded Prebys Foundation Grant
Exciting news! 🎉 Mid-City CAN is thrilled to announce that we are a recipient of The Prebys Foundation’s newest grant - Healing Through Nature Initiative! The grant will go towards our award-winning Youth Council program. We are excited take youth outdoors where they will enjoy nature while building leadership skills and delight in team-building activities. The grant awards - $5.2 Million to 59 nonprofits across San Diego - will support programs serving youth, veterans, justice-impacted individuals, and historically underserved communities, offering proactive ways to enhance quality of life in a post-pandemic world. Thank you Prebys Foundation for the grant! Be sure to follow our social media pages to see where we’ll take the youth for their outdoor adventures!
Learn more about the grant by visiting:
https://www.prebysfdn.org/grants/healing-through-the-arts-and-nature-initiatives
Safety First! MTS visits ITCH to discuss safety regulations
Many thanks to everyone who attended our first Improving Transportation in City Heights (ITCH) meeting of the year! Special thanks to Metropolitan Transit System Code Compliance Sergeant Miguel Gonzalez, Daniel Fontes and Public Officer Walter for attending the meeting and an informative safety regulations presentation.
The MTS Code Compliance Division want you to know that while riding on public transit officers are available 24 hours every day - call or text them if you feel unsafe at 619-595-4690. View photos in our Flick page by clicking here.
📷: Ron Sanchez, Mid-City CAN
Celebrating 35 Years of Impact! Mid-City CAN's Epic Anniversary
On behalf of our leadership, honorary committee, and the Mid-City CAN staff, I would like to thank you for joining us at the 2024 “I Am Possible” Impact Dinner commemorating 35 years of advocacy, community power, and possibilities.
When our youth painted a mural on the corner of University Avenue and Marlborough in City Heights, they understood that anything was possible even in the face of challenge. They were envisioning a future in which City Heights, and our sister communities in San Diego, could be cultivated into amazing places where youth and their dreams are always possible.
I Am Possible continues to resonate today, especially in light of the past few weeks, where once again we must confront our collective selves as a nation. It is difficult to grasp why so many would choose division and uncertainty, but it is not difficult to know that when in community, the possibilities of what we can achieve are limitless.
Mid-City CAN began as a small group of concerned community members 35 years ago and has grown into an extensive collaborative network encompassing thousands of diverse partners committed to building power, advancing equity, and making an impact across the region. So, I am certain that no matter what might come, that as a community, we will stand together. We are resilient and courageous.
Mid-City CAN chooses community, chooses love, and chooses to build power toward a more just future. Mid-City CAN will continue to work deep in San Diego's neighborhoods toward a more equitable and just region. We will continue to stand up for the most vulnerable, to embrace love, and advance justice. As our youth so wisely knew when they painted their mural, challenges do not end our possibilities, they can open opportunities, and our vision remains possible.
I am honored that you are able to join us here today to share in this night of community and joy. Sometimes the best form of resistance is joy. Please consider joining the movement and supporting the possibilities. Visit www.midcitycan.org to participate or give.
Warmly,
DIANA ROSS
Executive Director, Mid-City CAN
Special thanks to Master of Ceremony Brandon Harrison, Spoken Word artist Kelsey O. Daniels, and Legendary Lion Dance for your presence and amazing performance!
Thank you to Youth Council and speakers Karlita, Gabrielle, and Karely! Also, thanks to Triple Pocket Events and The Julep Venue.
Videos from our 35th Anniversary Impact Dinner
Lastly, thank you to our sponsors The California Wellness Foundation, Prebys Foundation, The California Endowment, Price Philanthropies, and The YMCA of San Diego County.
October 2024 Newsletter
Mid-City CAN getting City Heights ready for 2024 Election
For City Heights residents, voting is more than a civic duty — it's a chance to shape their community’s future.
As the November 5, 2024 Presidential Election approaches, Mid-City CAN's Civic Engagement team has been hard at work, educating youth and adults on the power of their vote and critical issues at stake. By casting their ballots, City Heights residents can drive meaningful change and build a community that reflects their values and aspirations.
Maria Cortez, a City Heights resident for over 52 years, shared, "I’m voting in the 2024 election because it’s important to have a voice. If you don’t vote, don’t complain. Your vote could be the one that makes a difference." Similarly, Guillermina Rice, a resident for nearly two decades, added, "I want to make my choices, not let others choose for me."
Mid-City CAN invites the community to help Get Out the Vote through phone banking and canvassing events from October 21-24. Recently, we hosted a “Know Your Ballot” event at Wilson Middle School and led a workshop on the youth vote at the Youth Changemakers Summit.
Click here to read the rest of the story and access important voting information
35th Anniversary Impact Dinner Splashpage
Don't wait until the last minute, buy your tickets for our I AM POSSIBLE Impact Dinner today!
Join us on November 21 to celebrate 35 years of community power. Don’t miss this opportunity to secure your spot at our milestone event and help us reach our goal of raising $100,000.
Tickets and Sponsorships are now available! Visit:
http://onecau.se/impactdinner35
or email [email protected]
September 12 Networking Night a Success!
It is always a pleasure for us to get together with our amazing City Heights community members! Many thanks to our wonderful panelists for leading the discussion about Measure G: Let's Go! San Diego that is on the November 5, 2024 ballot. If passed, Measure G will fund the much needed transportation projects in our region. Measure G funds are guaranteed to go directly to San Diego County road and transportation priorities, including the Youth Opportunity Pass! Vote YES on G!
Thank you to everyone who attended Networking Night! View photos by clicking here.
Learn more about Let's Go! San Diego Measure G: https://www.letsgosd.org/
September 2024 Newsletter
Youth Opportunity Pass opens doors to opportunity
By Keila Menjivar Zamora, Mid-City CAN Intern
In the heart of City Heights, Jannette Sánchez, a member of Mid-City CAN’s Improving Transportation in City Heights (ITCH) team and mother of five, is making a difference. Her journey with the Youth Opportunity Pass (YOP) has impacted her life and the lives of thousands in her community.
One day while riding the bus Jannette witnessed several youth who entered but had to exit the bus. Upon learning that they didn't have PRONTO cards Jannette approached the youth and gave them her extra cards so they could get to their destination. She also told passengers where to go if they needed PRONTO cards.
Before the introduction of YOP, Jannette and her family faced significant transportation challenges. They often walked to their destinations, as the cost of public transportation was outside their budget.
“Many think, ‘how much can $2.50 be?’ But for us, there are times that we don’t have a single dollar,” she said in Spanish.
High school senior Adalynn Tapia relies on her YOP PRONTO card to attend school and participate in extracurricular activities, including Mid-City CAN’s summer Artivism program. YOP has provided Adalynn with unlimited transit access, enabling her to pursue her academic and artistic interests.
“(YOP) has made it easier to go places,” she said. “$2.50 per bus adds up a lot when you’re trying to go from bus to trolley to bus again. If you’re going somewhere every single day, that's a lot of money you're going to spend.”
August 2024 Newsletter
Artivism Program Concludes with Exhibition and Celebration
Creativity takes courage
— Henri Matisse, visual artist
On August 10th, Mid-City CAN held a community art event showcasing multi-media art installations produced by this year’s Artivism students! The themes of their stories are all centered on environmental racism and city neglect happening in San Diego.
The Artivism program provides middle and high school students ages 13-18 with hands-on art experience that weaves art with activism and leadership development. Students make hands-on art projects and learn about the role art plays in social movements and historic change by exploring how art is used to tell stories about community, self, and social justice. This year’s curriculum included training in photography, videography, video editing software, and audio equipment. Students also learned how to construct installations to screen their short films.
"It was inspiring to see the youth developing their point of view on issues of environmental racism and city neglect through art. As their teacher I was excited for the public to see what the Artivism youth created," said Victor Castaneda H, the program’s teaching artist and Creative Liaison at The AjA Project.
"I've always had an interest in photography, but I’ve never had access to the right equipment, so I wasn't able to practice. But with Artivism I was given a camera, and was able to learn about lighting, color grading, and shutters, which was really cool," said Kathleen, Artivism student.
Click here to read more about the 2024 Artivism Program!
July 2024 newsletter
Mid-City CAN's 3rd Annual Fair Celebrates and Supports LGBTQIA+ Youth
LGBTQIA YOUTH
No matter what color you are on the rainbow
you are made of magic...
Don't let anyone try to tell you
the path doesn't lead to gold,
and be brave to weather the storm...
When others try to throw hate in your face
fight back with love...
For no one has the right to intimidate or poison your life
with fear when you fully love,
respect and accept the person
who stares you back in the mirror
-- Poetry by Jeremy M. Brownlowe
On June 29, Mid-City CAN hosted its 3rd Annual Queer, Trans, and Intersex PGM (People of the Global Majority) - Health, Pride, and Resiliency Fair at Crawford High School. The event radiated love and healing, bringing together people from all walks of life to connect through meditation, conversation, storytelling, and dance!
"During times of discrimination and adversity, movements like Black Lives Matter, the Women's March, and March for Our Lives emerged, inspiring us profoundly. Our Pride fair's theme, Fighting for Our Futures, embodies this spirit. Together with our community partners, we support our LGBTQIA+ community, especially youth, in their pursuit of happiness and their goals. We empower them not only during Pride Month but throughout the year," said Mid-City CAN Civic Engagement Coordinator Shanti Huynh (they/them), organizer of the fair.
Click here to read the full story from our July 2024 newsletter!
Youth Council's Park Campaign gets $1M Funding Approved!
Mid-City CAN’s Youth Council is thrilled to share the news that councilmembers have approved funding for Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park!
San Diego’s councilmembers on June 11 approved $1 million in community green space funding to support the Revitalization of Henwood Park in the City Heights Urban Village, an advocacy campaign Youth Council has led for nearly two years.
The youth told personal stories of the importance of Henwood Park.
"Our parks are at the heart of City Heights, they serve as a means for families to come together and gather, a place for children to play, and most importantly a main host for community events that bring us all together. We need a budget that invests in our parks and our youth," said Youth Council member Anthony.
Click here to read Youth Council testimonials from the June 7, 2024 budget hearing.
Congratulations Youth Council! Mid-City CAN and your City Heights community are proud of your passion, commitment, and service to your community!
Youth Council’s work exemplifies the positive change that young people can achieve when provided opportunity, resources, and support.
Invest in youth leadership by making a transformational gift today. Go to www.midcitycan.org/donate or contact Chloe at [email protected] to learn more.
ITCH Focus on getting YOP Rider Accounts Verified
This Month's Spotlight:
- Mid-City CAN's ITCH team focus on getting YOP rider accounts verified
- RSVP for our June 13 Networking Night discussion on housing
- 🏳️🌈RSVP for our June 29 3rd Annual Queer, Trans, and Intersex Pride Fair
- 📷: Mid-City CAN's PRONTO card verification pop-up event at Henwood Park
Job Openings: Scroll to the bottom for jobs and events
Español en la parte de abajo | Spanish below
By Ron Sanchez, Mid-City CAN
The Youth Opportunity Pass (YOP) program marked its 2-year anniversary last May and there were many reasons to celebrate including over 15.4 million youth rides since YOP started, families saving more than $19.25 million on youth rides, and 93+ percent youth saying they can now get to and from places they need to go such as school, work, and medical appointments.
The program however is facing a major obstacle as youth (and Senior, Disabled, and Medicare) riders risk losing their free transit benefits due to a new verification requirement, rolled out by San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS). Due to advocacy efforts by Mid-City CAN, MTS’s verification deadline has been extended from June 30 to September 30 to give riders more time to complete this process. To date, it is estimated that only 14% of youth rider accounts have been verified.
Mid-City CAN and members of the Improving Transportation in City Heights (ITCH) team held a PRONTO card verification pop-up event on May 7 from 4 to 6 pm at Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park with MTS Community Engagement Specialists who verified over 100 accounts. Free delicious ice cream was given to everyone who registered and verified their YOP account.
Youth riders: Get it done! Verify your YOP account by clicking here (read line 2).
Marcela, a mother of three and well-known community leader, attended MCC’s first YOP pop-up verification event. "YOP has saved me a lot of money on a monthly basis and it helps my children get to school and wherever they need to go. It has helped not just my family but many families in our community." Marcela is very thankful for the YOP program and would love to see it become permanent.
YOP has provided critical relief and support for San Diego low-income and transit-reliant communities like City Heights. According to MTS over a hundred thousand accounts still need to be verified, and risk losing free transit access.
We cannot let this happen. We must work together to ensure YOP remains accessible for our communities!
Make a donation to support our Youth Opportunity Pass campaign!
Your donation help sustain important advocacy campaigns such as our ITCH Momentum Team's YOP campaign. YOP provides equity by giving underserved youth access to more places and activities. YOP reduces stress and worry. YOP allows for independence and eliminates the financial burden for youth and their families. An investment in community advocacy is an investment for us all.
Support Mid-City CAN’s fight to make Youth Opportunity Passes Permanent!
Upcoming Events
Create the change that you want to see in your community by attending a Mid-City CAN Momentum Team meeting or event! Momentum Teams are how we get things done. They are issue-based action groups where community members come together to tackle issues of concern by taking action. They are centers of activity, advocacy, and community organizing, with campaigns focused on community issues that have gained sufficient momentum and interest to establish a Momentum Team and make change. We look forward to seeing you!
Time and Date |
Event and Location |
Details |
Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm | Ending Girls Incarceration Partners Network meeting. To learn more contact Manuel Enriquez, [email protected] or 619-272-7582 ext. 106) |
The EGI team prioritizes the formation of a task force that incorporates community representation in Ending Girls Incarceration. |
Thursday, June 13, 2024 | Networking Night Mid-City CAN Office (Suite 550), 4305 University Ave. San Diego, CA 92105 |
Save the Date! Networking Night on June 13 will focus on Housing Issues. Follow @midcitycan on Instagram, Facebook and X. RSVP here. |
Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm | Juvenile Justice Momentum Team meeting, Mid-City CAN Office (Suite 550), 4305 University Ave. San Diego, CA 92105 |
The team's mission is to advocate for youth justice and center the voices of community members, in particular those who have been impacted by the carceral system. To learn more contact Manuel Enriquez, [email protected] or 619-272-7582 ext. 106) |
Saturday, June 29, 2024 |
3rd Annual Queer, Trans, and Intersex Pride Fair |
This year's theme is "Fighting for Our Futures." Join us at Crawford High School's cafeteria from noon to 4 pm for our youth-centered, family friendly, and open to all event! RSVP here. |
Every Friday, 4 pm - 6 pm |
Youth Council meeting Mid-City CAN Office (Suite 550), 4305 University Ave. 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. |
Job Opportunities
Español en la parte de abajo
ITCH se Enfoca en Verificar las Cuentas de YOP – Pases de Oportunidad para Jóvenes
El programa de Pases de Oportunidad para Jóvenes (YOP, por sus siglas en inglés) celebró su segundo aniversario en mayo pasado y hubo muchas razones para celebrar, incluyendo más de 15.4 millones de viajes para jóvenes desde que comenzó YOP, el ahorro a las familias de más de $19.25 millones en viajes para jóvenes y más del 93 por ciento de los jóvenes dijeron que ahora pueden ir y venir de los lugares a los que necesitan ir, como la escuela, el trabajo y las citas médicas.
Sin embargo, el programa enfrenta un obstáculo importante ya que los pasajeros jóvenes (y las personas mayores, discapacitadas y los beneficiarios del Medicare) corren el riesgo de perder sus beneficios de transporte gratuito debido a un nuevo requisito de verificación, implementado por el Sistema de Transporte Metropolitano de San Diego (MTS, por sus siglas en inglés). Debido a los esfuerzos de abogacía de Mid-City CAN, la fecha límite de verificación de MTS se extendió del 30 de junio al 30 de septiembre para darles a los pasajeros más tiempo para completar este proceso. Hasta la fecha, se estima que sólo el 14% de las cuentas de pasajeros jóvenes han sido verificadas.
Mid-City CAN y los miembros del equipo de Mejoramiento del Transporte en City Heights (ITCH) auspiciaron un evento emergente de verificación de tarjetas PRONTO el 7 de mayo de las 4p.m. a las 6p.m. en el Parque Conmemorativo Officer Jeremy Henwood con especialistas en participación comunitaria de MTS que verificaron más de 100 cuentas. A todos y todas los que se registraron y verificaron su cuenta YOP se les regalo un delicioso helado.
Usuarios Jóvenes: ¡Es Hora de Sumarse! Verifiquen su Cuenta YOP haciendo clic aquí (ver la línea 2).
Marcela, una madre de tres hijos y una reconocida líder comunitaria, asistió al primer evento emergente de verificación de YOP de MCC. "YOP me ha ahorrado mucho dinero mensualmente y ayuda a mis hijos a llegar a la escuela y a donde sea que necesiten ir. Ha ayudado no sólo a mi familia sino a muchas familias de nuestra comunidad.” Marcela está muy agradecida por el programa YOP y le encantaría que se convirtiera en un programa permanente.
YOP ha brindado ayuda y apoyos críticos a las comunidades de bajos ingresos y a las personas que dependen del transporte público de San Diego, como City Heights. Según MTS, aún es necesario verificar más de cien mil cuentas, o se corre el riesgo de perder el acceso gratuito al tránsito.
No podemos permitir que esto suceda. ¡Debemos trabajar juntos para garantizar que YOP siga siendo accesible para nuestras comunidades!
¡Haz un donativo para apoyar nuestra campaña del Pase de Oportunidades para Jóvenes!
Tus donativos ayudan a sostener nuestras importantes campañas de abogacía, como la campaña YOP de nuestro equipo ITCH. YOP proporciona la equidad al brindar a los jóvenes de bajos recursos acceso a más lugares y actividades. YOP reduce el estrés y la preocupación. YOP permite la independencia y elimina la carga financiera para los jóvenes y sus familias. Una inversión en defensa de la comunidad es una inversión para todos nosotros. ¡Apoya nuestra campaña YOP haciendo tu donativo el día de hoy!
Haz clic aquí para hacer tu donativo
Próximos eventos
¡Ayude con el cambio que desea ver en su comunidad asistiendo a una reunión o evento del Equipo Momentum de Mid-City CAN! Gracias a los Equipos Momentum conseguimos que las cosas se hagan. Son grupos de acción, cada uno centrado en un problema, donde los miembros de la comunidad se reúnen para abordar dichas cuestiones mediante la adopción de medidas. Son centros de actividad, promoción y organización comunitaria, con campañas centradas en asuntos comunitarios que han adquirido suficiente impulso e interés para establecer un Equipo Momentum y lograr cambios. ¡Esperamos verte!
Hora y fecha |
Detalles del evento y la ubicación |
Detalles |
Martes 11 de junio de 2024 de 5:30 pm a 7:30 pm | Reunión de la red de socios para Poner fin al Encarcelamiento de Niñas. Para más información contacte a Manuel en [email protected], 619-272-7582 ext. 106) | El equipo de EGI da prioridad a la creación de un grupo de trabajo que incorpore representación comunitaria para poner fin al encarcelamiento de niñas. |
Jueves 13 de junio de 2024 | Noche de networking en la oficina de Mid-City CAN (Suite 550), 4305 University Ave. San Diego, CA 92105 |
¡Reserve el día! La Noche de Networking el 13 de junio se centrará en cuestiones de vivienda. Siga a @midcitycan en Instagram, Facebook y X. Confirme su asistencia aquí. |
Jueves 20 de junio de 2024 de 5:30 pm a 7:30 pm | Reunión del Equipo Momentum de Justicia Juvenil en la oficina de Mid-City CAN (Suite 550), 4305 University Ave. San Diego, CA 92105 |
La misión del equipo es abogar por la justicia juvenil y centrar las voces de los miembros de la comunidad, en particular aquellos que han sido afectados por el sistema carcelario. Para más información contacte a Manuel en [email protected], 619-272-7582 ext. 106) |
Sábado 29 de junio de 2024 | Tercera Feria Anual del Orgullo Queer, Trans e Intersex en la cafetería de la escuela secundaria Crawford, 4191 Colts Way, San Diego, CA 92115 |
El tema de este año es "Luchando por Nuestros Futuros". ¡Únete a nosotros en la cafetería de Crawford High School, a partir del mediodía hasta las 4 pm, para participar en nuestro evento que se enfoca en los jóvenes, le da la bienvenida a las familias y está abierto para todas! Confirme su asistencia aquí. |
Todos los viernes de 4 pm a 6 pm |
Reunión del Consejo Juvenil en la oficina de Mid-City CAN (Suite 550), 4305 University Ave. San Diego, CA 92105 |
El Consejo Juvenil está ABIERTO a jóvenes de 13 a 18 años que residan en el condado de San Diego. Y sí, ¡hay comida deliciosa durante cada reunión! Únase haciendo clic aquí. Por favor, los adultos absténganse de asistir: este es un espacio solo para jóvenes. |
Oportunidades de empleo
Youth Council Back at City Hall
Youth Council members along with Mid-City CAN staff were at City Hall on May 1 for the FY25 proposed budget hearing to advocate for funding for the youth's City Heights Urban Village Revitalization Campaign that includes Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park.
The youth displayed passion, dedication, sacrifice, courage and many amazing qualities as they addressed the council members and let them know their disappointment in Mayor Todd Gloria's budget that does not reflect the values of fairness, equity, and justice for all.
Thank you to Ashley, Karlita, Nidal, Zamzam, Tanya, Judith, Leo, Stephany, Niya, Denley, Abigail, and Obidullah for attending the budget hearing, and to Youth Council members unable to attend who have worked hard on the campaign! NOTE: Mia's statement was ready by Transportation Justice Organizer Lupe.
EGI Team meets with Nora Vargas
Chairwoman Vargas to Support Ending Girls Incarceration initiative
Exciting news from Mid-City CAN's Ending Girls Incarceration (EGI) campaign: Juvenile Justice Organizer Manuel along with EGI team members Jasmin, Emilio and Policy Advisor Belen met with San Diego County Chairwoman Nora Vargas on March 6 and the supervisor agreed to be a champion for the initiative! "We are looking forward to working with Chairwoman Vargas and her staff on supporting the Ending Girls Incarceration initiative at the county level," said Manuel.
The EGI team had two asks for Chairwoman Vargas:
The first was "Will you be a champion for Ending Girls Incarceration and prioritize the formation of a task force that incorporates community representation (Service providers, advocates and youth with lived experience as well as their families)?
The second: Will you introduce a board letter directing probation to commit to the data transparency and establishing the task force?"
Vargas said yes to the first ask and our EGI team and the chair will work together to create a board letter.
Great progress made by the EGI team! Thank you Chairwoman Vargas for being a champion for EGI!
Volunteers honored at Volunteer Recognition Event
Mid-City CAN volunteers and staff had a fabulous time on Friday, January 26 attending the Volunteer Recognition event presented by the Somali Family Services of San Diego, Say San Diego, and Price Philanthropies in City Heights. A huge thank you and congratulations to our volunteers who were honored! Representing Mid-City CAN were Zaw, Denisse, Esperanza, Jannette, Briseyda, Rosa, and Fany, along with staffers Victor and Manuel. Thank you to the organizations for a great event honoring the wonderful volunteers! Everyone in attendance loved the food and fun prizes.
Volunteers are crucial in building a healthy and thriving community. THANK YOU to ours who keep our campaigns going. We appreciate all the sacrifices and effort that you make for the community day in and day out.