Minutes for Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Normal Heights Community Center/Zoom
4649 Hawley Avenue
Attendees:
X = in attendance
| X | Paul Coogan (C) | X | Kenny Patrick | X | Emilie Colwell |
| X | Allan Harjala (VC) | X | Dan Soderberg | X | Jacob Koopman (P) |
| X | Sami Burrows (S) | X | Eydie Kaufman | X | Brian Adams |
| X | Frances Prichett (T) | X | Nancy Lawler | X | Madison Stevens |
| X | Julia Corbett | X | Scott Kessler (AABA) |
Paul called the meeting to order at 6:09 and read the opening reflection. Then Paul gave a brief overview of the meeting procedure.
Community Attendees
Estimate: 1 zoom participants, 36 attendees in person.
Non-Agenda Public Comment
- Emilie: 36th and Adams, they’re starting to install a crosswalk, with button and flashing light mid block.
- Paul: Flyers for SD Urban Wildfire at front, spinning off work at CPC
- Art: Concerned the city is not paying attention, that neighborhood is aging reducing interest in development, and that graffiti is a felony (would like clarification)
- Madison: thanked people for attending
- Sami: NH Community Association Fundraising Event, Wednesday, March 26th 6-9pm.
- Susan: Advocating for creation of the Fire Safe Council in Normal Heights. Came out with the logo and will update next month if they get approved by the fire safe council.
Presentations
“Coexisting with Wildlife” presentation by Alexis Wohl, Lead Vet at Project Wildlife
Guest ambassador: Rosy Boa, native to San Diego. San Diego is the most bio-diverse county in the continental United States. Alexis reviewed what Normal Heights residents can do to help our wildlife: 1) Habitat harmony: creating small gardens, clean-up events and outdoor etiquette. 2) Responsible stewardship: allow room, observe don’t touch 3) Wildlife awareness: know your neighbors, when to intervene and be safe. Watch and Wait campaign: most baby wildlife is not orphaned. Found injured or orphaned animals? Can call the Wildlife Help Hub and Project Wildlife can help navigate next steps. The entire presentation will be available on normalheightscpg.org.
Actions/Decisions
Board Election
6 seats open, candidates must receive 2 votes to be elected. At 7pm the ballots will be counted.
Vote counts:
Art 5 votes
Eydie 30 votes
Frances 28 votes
Julia 34 votes
Kenny 31 votes
Mark 26 votes
Nancy 27 votes
Existing Board members have been elected with the addition of Mark.
Shall the board include opinions and recommendations to the city along with the submission of public safety testimonials from the February meeting?
Emilie motioned to start discussion. Frances seconded for discussion.
Discussion led to tabling the item for the Board to review the summary and draft and at next meeting, then will vote on approval to send to City Council D9.
Reports/Updates
Elected Representatives
Sara Al-Agha from District 9 Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera’s office
No representative present. Paul provided the update received from Sara. The Select Committee on Addressing Cost of Affordable Living held its first meeting. Ward Canyon Notice to Proceed issued March 3rd, building demolition scheduled April 2025, with completion by May 2025. The entire statement is available via the Zoom recording.
Mayor’s Office – Fatima Maciel
No representative present. Paul read the update received from Mayor Todd Gloria’s office. The entire statement is available via the Zoom recording.
County Supervisor Montgomery Steppe or representative
No representative present.
State Senator Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson – Sam
Sam – first meeting and provided introduction, City Heights resident and on Board of City Heights Community Planning Group.
Assembly Member Ward – Christopher Gris
No representative present.
District 51 U.S. Congressmember Jacobs or representative
No representative present.
Chair Report
Paul – CPC meeting took place and reviewed high fire hazard zones, moratorium would be placed on all new conditions in very high fire risk hazard zones. CPC had a presentation on making San Diego a child-friendly city, form closes at the end of this week. Still working on hybrid/interactive meetings.
Adams Avenue Business Association
Scott – Adams Unplugged Saturday, April 26th, with 26 restaurant/bar stages.
El Cajon Boulevard Business Improvement Association – Gary Weber
Not present. Paul provided an update on discussion about the Corridor area. Boundary may change where Normal Heights would include down to El Cajon Boulevard. Would be part of a community plan update.
Adams “Community Recreation Advisory Group”
Nancy – March 22nd, looking if anyone wants to come help clean up – the organized cleanup from D9 for Ward Canyon. Rec Center having a Spring Fling April 12th and looking for people who want to volunteer or donations of plastic eggs, candy, and gift cards. Adams Avenue Rec Center website lists a few events, ceramics for adults April 4th, May 2-May 30th, 5-7PM $50 fee. Adams Avenue Soccer Pee Wee for 6-12 year old starting. March 14th, Parents Night Out 5-8PM and they’ll watch your kids, $40. Next meeting is the 4th Tuesday of the month at 6PM, Adams Avenue Rec Center – call for Board members and attendees.
Normal Heights for Smart Growth
Paul – No updates.
NH Community Association and NH Urban Arts – Greg Stone/Norma Stafford
Sami – NH Community Association fundraising event March 26th, 6-9PM at Blind Lady Ale House, 10% of sales will go towards NH Community Association.
Joint Mid-City Communities Plan Update Committee
Emilie – Next Mid-City Communities Meeting, March 19th 6-8PM location TBD, still in the process of going through existing conditions. Anticipating Summer/Winter 2025 for first draft, but likely Winter 2025/Spring 2026.
Utility Undergrounding & Street Lighting MAD
Emilie – Mailed out 450 postcards for block 3DD, non-binding survey regarding whether they would like acorn or cobra lighting. Based on survey results, the city will then conduct a cost survey, then a formal note out to residents and eventually a public meeting on whether or not to proceed.
Historical Property Review Report – Dan Soderberg
Dan – Dan reported that there was one property but it had nothing historical.
Traffic Issue Taskforce
Allan – Allan would like to step down and asked anyone that would like to step up. Brian will take over.
Community Engagement/Financing Committee
Jacob – February 9th at bica, invited other board members and community members to attend. Jacob sent a request for Adams Rec Center to add and put on the last agenda but was denied. Rec Center kiosk is only for Rec Center related items. Jacob reviewed the other items from the subcommittee and provided a reminder of Board members to submit bios. CTA to engage in Facebook and NextDoor accounts. Jacob recommended merging Treasurer and Financing Committee to be discussed at board executive selection next month.
Adjournment
Paul called the meeting to adjournment at 8:37.