San Diego River Park

The San Diego River may be San Diego's biggest secret. The River begins at Ocean Beach near Dog Beach and winds through Mission Valley past Fashion Valley Mall, Qualcomm Stadium, along Mission Gorge Road, through Mission Trails Regional Park, past Lakeside and out to Julian.

The San Diego River Park Task Force was formed under Mayor Dick Murphy's leadership to end San Diego's ignorance of the River and instead make it a focal point of the region. Councilmember Madaffer has made it a priority to assist in the citywide efforts, particularly on the portion that runs through District 7.

As a result of the Task Force's efforts and with the help of State Assemblywoman Christine Kehoe, the San Diego River Park Conservancy was born through legislation carried by Kehoe and signed by Governor Davis in 2002. The Conservancy is funded and will soon begin to implement projects to beautify the River. Both Mayor Murphy and Councilmember Donna Frye will represent the City of San Diego on the Conservancy.

The goal Councilmember Madaffer and colleagues hope to achieve is a renewed San Diego River that the public can access through use of riverside trails, bike paths and picnic tables. Interpretive signs would also be placed along the paths. District 7 residents should keep an eye out for great improvements on the River along Mission Gorge Road towards the end of 2003.