Councilmember Madaffer Allocates Funds for Redwood Village Community Identification Sign

February 6, 2008

The community that has, for many years, been known as Darnall, has reclaimed its heritage and taken back its historic name – Redwood Village. In order to complete the transformation, Redwood Village community leaders asked me for assistance with a wonderful community project – installing new community identification signs.

The total cost of the project is $15,615.87. The community secured a $7,920.00 grant from the County of San Diego. Thank you to Supervisor Ron Roberts for this contribution.

I am pleased to announce that I have allocated the balance of the funds needed to complete the project from my Council District 7 Infrastructure Fund.

The City is currently in the process of designing the sign and will work with the Redwood Village Community Council as the project progresses.

Installation of Streetlights along University Avenue–
Crossroads Redevelopment Project Area

I am pleased to announce funding for two projects along University Avenue in the Crossroads Redevelopment Area–$500,000 for 47 new streetlights and $3 million for sidewalk/landscape improvements. Crossroads was created in 2004 and was amongst controversy in its infancy, but has shown that redevelopment works to benefit the community by improving infrastructure and eliminate blight.

On September 11, 2007, the City Council approved the installation of 47 streetlights along University Avenue. The streetlights were something the community has wanted for many years. With the help of Rolando community member Jody Talbot, City staff worked with the community to complete a study as to where to locate the necessary streetlights. The item passed unanimously at Council and will allow the City to receive up to $500,000 from the Redevelopment Agency for the installation and annual maintenance and electricity for the 47 streetlights. Also approved by City Council was the contribution of $250,000 for the purpose of financing the El Cajon Boulevard median improvements. These improvements would include replacing the utility sleeves installed five years ago at the completion of the Mid-City Pipeline.

"It will be a major improvement to the neighborhood and I hope a decrease in the crime in the area. Many thanks to Jim for his support of Rolando."

–Jody Talbot, Rolando Community Member and Crossroads PAC Member

Additionally on September 25th, 2007, City Council approved Item 331, which provides up to $3 million for improvements for University Avenue sidewalk design, repair, and installation. This project was approved by the Crossroads Project Area Committee and allows the Redevelopment Agency to expand $500,000 for project design this year, followed by up to $2.5 million in construction in the next four years as tax increment funds become available.

BOO! Bash at the Salvation Army Kroc Center

On Wednesday, October 24th, children are invited to celebrate Halloween in a safe, family-friendly environment at the Kroc Center's annual BOO! BASH. The hauntless jaunt promises hours of festive fun including face painting, a pumpkin patch, carnival games, and much, much more! The entire event is free for Kroc Center members, and $2 a person for the general public or $10 per family. The fun starts at 5:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts and Education Buildings at the Kroc Center located at 6605 University Avenue. At 7:30 p.m., guests are invited to Trick or Treat on Ice at the NHL sized rink!

Community Service Center Update

This budget year was a difficult one for the City of San Diego and the Mayor and City Council had to make painfully tough decisions regarding public services. The Community Service Centers were established in the neighborhoods to provide City and other community services in convenient locations without having to come downtown to City Hall.

Unfortunately, this program was impacted by these tough budget decisions. I wish that was not the case. As of July 1, the Tierrasanta Community Service Center and Police Storefront had to close due to overhead costs. However, the good news is that the College/Rolando and Navajo Centers have remained open and available to the public. The College/Rolando Center was scheduled to close. However, because the City owns this center outright I was able to make arrangements for it to remain open one day a week in order to better serve the residents of our district. The new hours for both Centers are:

College/Rolando Center is open every Monday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed from 1:00-2:30 p.m. for lunch). Parking District B applications can also be obtained and dropped off at this Center located at 4704 College Avenue. The phone number is (619) 265-3044.

Navajo Community Area Center is open Tuesday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed from 1:00-2:30 p.m. for lunch) and every Friday from 1:00-5:00 p.m. This busy location also has a Police Storefront and Elderhelp as site partners. The address is 7381 Jackson Drive and the phone number is (619) 668-2700.

Tree Plantings

Councilmember Madaffer has allocated funds to plant hundreds of trees within District 7. The Urban Corps of San Diego is the contractor for this program. For free tree planting in your neighborhood, please contact:

Ryan Celbuski
Urban Corps of San Diego
Community Forestry Coordinator
619-235-6884

The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center

This center was made possible by a generous donation from Joan Kroc. The community facility includes an ice-skating rink, skateboard park, playing fields, gym, performing arts center, climbing wall, family enhancement center and swimming pools. There are discounted membership rates for those who live in the 92105, 92114, 92115, 92120, 92182, 91941, 91942, 91945 and 91977 zip codes.

Crossroads Redevelopment

Redevelopment is a tool the City of San Diego can use to bring extra money and economic opportunity into the College and Eastern Areas. Normally, when property owners pay property taxes, only 12% of that comes back to the City. However, under redevelopment 66% of that comes back into the redevelopment area! This money can be used to clean up older, neglected buildings, install landscaped medians and more. Now that the redevelopment area is approved, the Project Area Committee is busy shaping a vision for our major corridors: El Cajon Blvd., University Avenue, College Avenue, 54th STreet and Streamview Drive. There is quite a bit of activity taking place within the Crossroads Area, so be sure to get involved so that your voice can be heard. View more information on the Crossroads Redevelopment.