One San Diego.
One San Diego, a non-profit established by Mayor Kevin Faulconer and First Lady Katherine Stuart, who serves as the organization’s Honorary Chair, has organized a series of events for the betterment of all of San Diego’s neighborhoods through the Better-a-Block parties. These events are in line with One San Diego’s mission of promoting equal access to economic prosperity, safe and vibrant communities and an enhanced quality of life that increases every San Diegan’s opportunity to succeed.
One San Diego supports the Mayor’s Office and City in their efforts to engage neighborhood residents through collaboration and community involvement, by leveraging networks of local leaders, schools, law enforcement and faith communities to foster a stronger and more united San Diego.
The most recent Better-a-Block Party was held in Webster where hundreds of residents attended a free weekend party with food, entertainment, and informational booths offering health, educational and recreational resources provided by various non-profits. In the past, the event has also included a turkey giveaway, led by the Mayor and First Lady, as well as a mural dedication of artwork designed by local elementary students. Featured speakers have included Mayor Kevin Faulconer, Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman, Councilmembers and pastors representing local churches.
“Open lines of communication and strong community relations are critical to the San Diego Police Department’s community policing philosophy,” said Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman. “We are excited to build on the new friendships we established today with the residents, and hope they learned as much about our vision for a safer San Diego, as we did about the unique needs and interests of their neighborhood.”
“A central tenant of One San Diego’s mission is to increase the safety and wellbeing of all San Diegans. Our future Better-a-Block parties will facilitate relationship-building between law enforcement, neighborhood residents and faith and community leaders. We look forward to hosting more block parties in the months ahead, as part of our ongoing efforts to foster safer, healthier, and more vibrant communities,” Barbara Ybarra, Executive Director of One San Diego tells Giving Back Magazine.
