In this episode, Jen sits down with Sid Voorakkara, Port of San Diego Board Commissioner, to discuss the many programs and initiatives shaping the future of San Diego Bay. Sid shares insights into the Port Master Plan update, efforts to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, and how the Port is leading the way in innovation. He also highlights key projects, such as the blue economy incubator, waterfront redevelopment, and electrification efforts to reduce emissions. This conversation provides a deep dive into the Port’s role in fostering community engagement, economic development, and climate-conscious planning.

Timestamps:

[2:08] Sid introduces himself and his background as a first-generation American, small business owner, and Port Commissioner.

[4:49] The unique governance structure of the Port of San Diego and what makes it different from other ports.

[5:56] Sid’s background in social determinants of health, business development, and workforce education.

[6:06] The economic impact of the Port: $14 billion in San Diego County, $25 billion in Southern California, and $26 billion statewide.

[10:01] Exciting initiatives at the Port, including Harbor Drive 2.0, which aims to reduce congestion and improve waterfront access.

[10:40] The Port’s blue economy incubator and innovative projects like smart buoys and water quality monitoring.

[12:02] Electrification efforts, including the introduction of two all-electric cranes and North America’s first all-electric tugboat.

[13:12] The Port’s low-carbon fuel standards and the creation of a wetlands mitigation bank.

[13:43] The Port Master Plan update: a 30-year roadmap for balancing development, open space, and environmental preservation.

[20:44] The Port’s commitment to reducing emissions and fostering a balance between economic growth and environmental responsibility.

[24:28] Sid reflects on his motivation to make San Diego a place his son will be proud of in the future.

[25:18] Upcoming projects, including Seaport Village revitalization and the opening of the Chula Vista Gaylord Pacific Resort.

About C-3

Even before the California Coastal Commission or Environmental Protection Agency existed, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3) was the environmental conscience of San Diego. Since that time, in part due to C-3’s leadership in education, advocacy, and empowerment, a plethora of organizations have developed throughout San Diego County. These organizations specifically focus on promoting progressive values in architecture, urban design, land-use governance, natural resource management, sustainable economic development, climate change resilience, and social justice. As the field of allies has grown, C-3’s role has evolved to provide a platform that promotes creating civic community.

Opportunities for Advocacy and Engagement:

C3sandiego.org

Port of San Diego

Business for Good 

Portside Community Academy

This episode features Pete Halmay, President of San Diego Fisherman’s Working Group and one of the founders of the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market. With over 50 years of commercial fishing experience, Pete shares fascinating insights into the challenges of creating a fisherman’s market, the diverse array of seafood available, and the cultural significance of maintaining a working fishing harbor in San Diego. He discusses the fluctuations in sea life over time, the importance of water quality, and how the market has become a window into the life of local fishermen. Pete also touches on the environmental considerations for fishing boats and the creative solutions for managing supply and demand in the market.

Timestamps:

[1:34] Pete talks about the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market, which is not a farmer’s market but a fisherman’s market.

[5:45] The Pacific To Plate bill, which allows fishermen’s markets to operate as food facilities.

[06:28] The diverse customer base and unique experiences at the market.

[09:15] The market’s role in maintaining San Diego’s working fishing harbor.

[11:14] Changes in sea life over time and the importance of having a long-term perspective.

[12:39] The significance of water quality and sustainable fishery management.

[14:47] Environmental considerations for fishing boats.

[14:36] When you buy local, your fish has fewer miles on it.

[16:06] Managing supply and demand at the fish market, and how they make sure to give back to the community.

About C-3

Even before the California Coastal Commission or Environmental Protection Agency existed, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3) was the environmental conscience of San Diego. Since that time, in part due to C-3’s leadership in education, advocacy, and empowerment, a plethora of organizations have developed throughout San Diego County. These organizations specifically focus on promoting progressive values in architecture, urban design, land-use governance, natural resource management, sustainable economic development, climate change resilience, and social justice. As the field of allies has grown, C-3’s role has evolved to provide a platform that promotes creating civic community.

Opportunities for Advocacy and Engagement:

C3sandiego.org

Tuna Harbor Dockside Market

Peter Halmay

Quotes:

• “We thought at the beginning that it would be a way to just make a little bit more money than selling directly, but what we found out is that we’re selling fishing, not fish. We’re showing people a window into the life of a fisherman and the ocean around them.” — Pete [3:15]

• “This market is important because it activates the waterfront.” — Pete [9:15]

• “Water quality is probably the most important thing. If the water quality is poor, things die.” — Pete [12:55]

• “I say, you come to the market, and the fish has zero miles on it.” — Pete [14:36]

• “If you buy locally, you benefit the planet, so how can you go wrong?” — Pete [18:17]

This episode features Greg Murphy from Fugro, a world leader in providing geo-data consulting through mapping, modeling, and monitoring information about our planet and the structures built upon it. Greg is also Vice Chair on the Board at the San Diego Maritime Museum. In the conversation, Greg talks about the innovative future of blue technologies, the importance of ocean sustainability, and San Diego's potential as a blue finance capital. He discusses the concept of blue carbon, the Port of San Diego’s proactive approach to sea level rise, and exciting developments in the local blue tech industry such as offshore wind energy and cell-cultured seafood. Greg also shares insights from the International Conference on Small Island Developing States and emphasizes the importance of nature-based solutions for coastal resilience.

Timestamps:

[2:13] Greg discusses his background in the blue economy and involvement with the San Diego Maritime Museum and its importance in preserving maritime history.

[7:07] Overview of Fugro’s work and why it’s relevant to coastal resilience worldwide.

[7:37] Fugro is the world’s leading geo-data specialist.

[9:01] How Fugro supports the energy transition and creates a safe-liveable world using data.

[10:01] How is the San Diego Bay looking when it comes to sea level rise?

[12:20] Greg defines blue carbon and its importance in coastal ecosystems and climate change mitigation.

[15:31] Why San Diego should become the blue finance capital of the world.

[17:19] Why do we need blue finance?

[18:24] How the Port of San Diego has supported blue tech so far.

[20:00] Highlights of exciting developments in San Diego’s blue tech industry, including offshore wind and cell-cultured seafood.

[25:08] Oceanside’s innovative “re-beach” program to address beach erosion.

[26:47] The importance of resilience at the government level.

About C-3

Even before the California Coastal Commission or Environmental Protection Agency existed, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3) was the environmental conscience of San Diego. Since that time, in part due to C-3’s leadership in education, advocacy, and empowerment, a plethora of organizations have developed throughout San Diego County. These organizations specifically focus on promoting progressive values in architecture, urban design, land-use governance, natural resource management, sustainable economic development, climate change resilience, and social justice. As the field of allies has grown, C-3’s role has evolved to provide a platform that promotes creating civic community.

Opportunities for Advocacy and Engagement:

C3sandiego.org

Maritime Museum of San Diego

Fugro

Quotes:

• “I love the Maritime Museum of San Diego. The people and the culture of the organization are really what drew me in. The museum is unlike most museums, where we celebrate the everyday citizen.” — Greg [4:47]

• “For me, maritime history is human history. Many of us have a story, but it’s also about the history of technology.” — Greg [5:51]

• “Maritime history is embedded into who we are as a people and who we are as a planet.” — Greg [6:33]

• “Our mission is to create a safe, livable world using data.” — Greg [10:02]

• “This whole idea of blue carbon is about converting these nature-based systems into bankable opportunities.” — Greg [15:38]

• “Get out in nature! Take a hike. Experience the beauty that we have around us here in San Diego. Visit the Maritime Museum. I think that’s one way we can all build resilience for ourselves.” — Greg [27:13]

This week focuses on San Diego’s maritime heritage with Dr. Ray Ashley from the Maritime Museum of San Diego. As President and CEO, Dr. Ashley leads one of the most prominent institutions on San Diego Bay, recognized as one of the top three maritime museums globally. It includes one of the finest collections of historic vessels, including the oldest active ship, Star of India. In his talk with Jen, Dr. Ashley explains how the museum integrates San Diego’s maritime past into the present day, highlighting both the economic and cultural contributions of the local maritime industry and the important role the museum plays in educating the public.

Timestamps:

[1:50] Maritime Museum’s role in educating people about San Diego’s history and connection to the Bay.

[2:58] The Museum’s role in educating residents and visitors about the history of San Diego.

[4:09] How the museum uses storytelling to inform and shape the future.

[6:35] Cultural and economic significance of San Diego Bay.

[9:13] Integrating human and environmental histories into exhibits to address problems.

[11:30] More about the Rising Tides and Fragile Waters exhibits.

[13:56] Providing access to the bay through historic sailing tours and sailing experiences.

[15:32] The economic impact the Maritime Museum has had on the San Diego region.

[20:40] Exciting plans for The Maritime Museum, including a new waterfront structure.

[23:02] How can people get more involved?

About C-3

Even before the California Coastal Commission or Environmental Protection Agency existed, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3) was the environmental conscience of San Diego. Since that time, in part due to C-3’s leadership in education, advocacy, and empowerment, a plethora of organizations have developed throughout San Diego County. These organizations specifically focus on promoting progressive values in architecture, urban design, land-use governance, natural resource management, sustainable economic development, climate change resilience, and social justice. As the field of allies has grown, C-3’s role has evolved to provide a platform that promotes creating civic community.

Opportunities for Advocacy and Engagement:

C3sandiego.org

Maritime Museum of San Diego

Quotes:

• “San Diego is what it is because of the Bay, and because of the maritime connections.” — Ray [3:17]

• “The sea is a resource that we use for recreation, fishing, trade, and defense, and we like to take care of it as best we can.” — Ray [3:52]

• “Ultimately, we do become the stories we tell.” — Ray [4:48]

• “Maritime Museum provides a simple organizing function for that information about how this giant cluster maritime enterprise came to be in the first place, and how it continues to function.” — Ray [18:00]

• "If there's a secret sauce that I think we share with other kinds of organizations like ours, our particular secret is the ships. And by connecting your life and their lives, you do move towards becoming the better version of yourself.” — Ray [22:17]

In this episode, Jen welcomes Janaira Quigley, Executive Director of Ocean Connectors, a conservation non-profit program that connects youth with coastal wildlife. In their chat, Janaira talks about the mission of Ocean Connectors and how the San Diego Bay factors into their programs. She touches on the program’s teaching topics, habitat restoration work around San Diego, and the knowledge exchange program with students in Mexico, highlighting why it’s important for cultivating environmental stewardship. Janaira provides some easy and affordable action items for getting involved with Ocean Connectors, to get outside and help in a safe and meaningful way.

Timestamps:

[2:26] The mission of Ocean Connectors is to educate, inspire, and connect youth and underserved Pacific coastal communities through the study of migratory marine life.

[3:05] Ocean Connectors works primarily with students in National City and throughout the South Bay, connecting them with coastal wildlife in their communities through field trips in the San Diego Bay Wildlife Refuge and Chula Vista Wildlife Preserve, as well as whale watching trips.

[3:47] Janaira discusses a quote from “Temporary Paradise” that envisioned giving the sea to the people of the city to live near and enjoy.

[4:25] Many communities in the South Bay remain “park poor” due to a lack of access to open spaces and coastal access.

[5:16] Teaching topics at Ocean Connectors that excite the students include migratory marine life like green sea turtles, gray whales, and migratory birds.

[7:18] Ocean Connectors’ habitat restoration work around San Diego Bay includes hands-on field trips and kayak cleanups to restore wetland habitats.

[9:10] The Port of San Diego recently approved a new master plan pending California Coastal Commission approval.

[11:19] The thread of connection between Ocean Connectors programs.

[13:14] Why they chose the entire second half of their programming to exist in 91 classes at 27 schools in coastal Nayarit, Mexico.

[15:39] How adults and the community can get involved with Ocean Connectors, including family field trips, bird watching over coffee, and having your next birthday party with them!

[20:57] Ocean Connectors membership is just $5 per month, which includes free eco-tours and great perks.

About C-3

Even before the California Coastal Commission or Environmental Protection Agency existed, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3) was the environmental conscience of San Diego. Since that time, in part due to C-3’s leadership in education, advocacy, and empowerment, a plethora of organizations have developed throughout San Diego County. These organizations specifically focus on promoting progressive values in architecture, urban design, land-use governance, natural resource management, sustainable economic development, climate change resilience, and social justice. As the field of allies has grown, C-3’s role has evolved to provide a platform that promotes creating civic community.

Opportunities for Advocacy and Engagement:

C3sandiego.org

Ocean Connectors

Quotes:

• “We work to connect students with coastal wildlife that are directly in their communities.” — Janaira [2:52]

• “We empower students to explore where physics, agriculture, engineering, and more fields intersect with ocean science.” — Janaira [6:45]

• “We focus our efforts on exposing students and families to the beautiful ecosystems in their own communities.” — Janaira [9:24]

• “You want to do something recreationally, especially if you’re on vacation or something like that, but you also want to learn while you’re at it, and you want to give back to the local community. So we help stretch that dollar in that way.” — Janaira [16:52]

In this episode, Jen welcomes Sharon Cloward, President of San Diego Working Waterfront. Sharon first talks about the San Diego Bay's geography and jurisdictions before getting more into sustainable freight solutions and protecting the San Diego Bay's environmental and economic value. She then discusses the San Diego port master plan and environmental policies. Sharon also talks about Operation Clean Sweep and its important advocacy efforts that aim to support responsible growth, environmental stewardship, and economic vitality of the Bay.

Timestamps:

[2:07] What is the San Diego Working Waterfront?

[3:08] San Diego Bay geography and the different jurisdictions that are attached to it.

[3:47] The Port of San Diego spans five cities and its jurisdiction includes 2,400 acres of land and 11,800 acres of water.

[4:33] How do we create cities fit to live in?

[5:11] The San Diego Working Waterfront supports high-paying jobs and amenities that allow people to live and work near the Bay.

[5:26] Why did the name change from the San Diego Port Tenants Association?

[8:21] The San Diego Port Sustainable Freight Demonstration Project and the grant that funded testing green technologies.

[13:49] Operation Clean Sweep.

[15:24] Balancing environmental protection and economic growth on the Bay requires understanding. What are the prominent tension points of competing priorities?

[16:23] The Working Waterfront advocacy for supporting tenants’ needs.

[21:17] Sharon advocates for more collaboration.

About C-3

Even before the California Coastal Commission or Environmental Protection Agency existed, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3) was the environmental conscience of San Diego. Since that time, in part due to C-3’s leadership in education, advocacy, and empowerment, a plethora of organizations have developed throughout San Diego County. These organizations specifically focus on promoting progressive values in architecture, urban design, land-use governance, natural resource management, sustainable economic development, climate change resilience, and social justice. As the field of allies has grown, C-3’s role has evolved to provide a platform that promotes creating civic community.

Opportunities for Advocacy and Engagement:

C3sandiego.org

San Diego Working Waterfront 

Quotes:

• “Overall, the San Diego Bay’s geography and diverse mix of jurisdictions make a vital economic and recreational hub for the region.” — Sharon [4:22]

• “I believe it’s the diversity of the Port tenants that promotes a healthy balance of economic benefit to the region.” — Sharon [4:45]

• “You can have a well-paying job and the nice thing is, you can either walk or bike to work. It’s all here on our bay.” — Sharon [5:15]

• “We are one of the most diverse ports in the United States, if not even the world.” — Sharon [7:11]

• “It doesn't matter if you're bringing a ship into the bay, or you're selling a Mai Tai by the bay. We depend on it.” — Sharon [8:37]

In this episode, Kate sat down with our very own Jen Whitelaw, PR professional and former C-3 President. Jen first shares her career path from English studies to public relations and urban planning. She discusses a few of her favorite tools for reaching the public about important topics like density and sustainability through her work with organizations like C-3. Jen highlights some successful strategies for engaging diverse audiences, emphasizing the power of the public to influence how our city gets shaped. She explains why it’s so important to engage the public and younger generations in advocacy work around land use issues and shaping San Diego’s future, and discusses two documentary films that brought important conversations to the community.

Timestamps:

[2:33] How Jen’s formative years living on Del Mar Mesa shaped her appreciation for conservation.

[3:13] A glimpse at Jen’s career history and the influence that Jen’s mom’s architectural career had on her own vision.

[4:08] Jen’s experience working at the San Diego Film Commission.

[5:47] How Jen’s interest in marketing and public relations originated.

[7:24] Why Jen expanded her career path to urban planning and land planning, and the impact of interpreting and facilitating communication between the industry and the media.

[9:23] A few of Jen’s favorite tools to engage the public and community groups on land use issues.

[11:41] The power of the public when it comes to advocacy.

[14:31] How social media can facilitate conversation and action between the public and policymakers.

[15:31] The City of Villages plan.

[18:38] Was there a failure within San Diego to get the public on board?

[20:26] The impetus for making “Designing for the Future” and how they distributed the film.

[24:26] “San Diego Canyonlands”.

[27:41] The importance of developing responsibly while keeping the San Diego charm.

[29:03] Synthesizing the works for a modern audience.

[30:05] How Jen discovered and became involved with C-3.

[31:05] Who should C-3 be engaging in advocacy work?

[33:27] Overcoming the obstacles and challenges of working with more diverse audiences.

[35:11] The rise of public common spaces.

[36:14] C-3’s influence on the practice of urban planning and development in San Diego.

[38:22] Adapting C-3’s structure and programming to meet modern challenges.

About C-3

Even before the California Coastal Commission or Environmental Protection Agency existed, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3) was the environmental conscience of San Diego. Since that time, in part due to C-3’s leadership in education, advocacy, and empowerment, a plethora of organizations have developed throughout San Diego County. These organizations specifically focus on promoting progressive values in architecture, urban design, land-use governance, natural resource management, sustainable economic development, climate change resilience, and social justice. As the field of allies has grown, C-3’s role has evolved to provide a platform that promotes creating civic community.

Opportunities for Advocacy and Engagement:

C3sandiego.org

Jen Whitelaw LinkedIn

Quotes:

• “To be able to communicate effectively through writing, I can’t emphasize it enough, for someone who wants to go into that field (PR), it’s really, really important.” — Jen [7:09]

• “I think that curiosity has been a theme throughout my life. I really enjoy learning about things.”  — Jen [8:46]

• “If you want to accomplish something, first, you need to make sure that people understand the subject.” — Jen [11:55]

• “Everyone wants to be heard. When people have a voice in something and feel like they’re being heard and helping to shape something, they are almost inherently on board.” — Jen [12:45]

• “Fear is such a powerful motivator and unfortunately, there’s not a lot of innovation that usually comes out of fear, it’s more of a wall.” — Jen [19:30]

• “You've got to involve the younger generations because they're going to be the decision-makers coming up, and that’s such a unique opportunity and a special opportunity.” — Jen [25:30]

• “There's power in not knowing what you can’t do yet, and you surprise yourself because you just go and do it.” — Jen [32:43]

• “[C-3’s] a really important platform for giving voice to voices that aren't always part of the discussion, and aren't always well funded.” — Jen [36:29]

This episode features Simon Andrews, neighborhood branding professional and former C-3 board member. Simon shares his personal journey from Detroit to San Diego in the 1960s and discusses his career helping to shape the identity of neighborhoods through signage and design. Simon also offers his insight into downtown redevelopment and its impact, the rise of sustainable community planning since the early 2000s, and his involvement over many years with civic groups such as C-3. He and Jennifer also talk about how community planning groups can help empower local voices and reincorporate the creative class into our development and design.

Timestamps:

[2:20] How Simon made his way to San Diego.

[7:29] Back in the pandemic, people found creative ways to connect and support each other even from a distance, including chalk art and teddy bears in windows.

[8:18] Downtown San Diego redevelopment, anchored by Horton Plaza, Convention Center, and the ballpark.

[9:09] Redevelopment’s impact on affordable housing and community identity.

[10:52] Addressing some of the social tensions around redevelopment.

[12:00] The need for a dynamic balance between power, money, and community well-being.

[14:42] The growing trend of building sustainable communities.

[18:38] San Diego’s unique way of building up communities, compared to other municipalities.

[22:48] Creating a neighborhood identity through signage and design.

[24:16] Building consensus between community members and stakeholders.

[26:57] The iconic branding of El Cajon Blvd.

[33:21] Community activism and involvement in San Diego.

[35:22] How Simon discovered C-3 and the benefits he has gained from being involved.

[40:31] How C-3 can help us reincorporate the creative class back into our work and design plans.

[42:17] How community planning groups have evolved, and how C-3 can help these groups meet the challenges of the modern era.

[49:09] Using the Axios model as inspiration for future writing pieces.

About C-3

Even before the California Coastal Commission or Environmental Protection Agency existed, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3) was the environmental conscience of San Diego. Since that time, in part due to C-3’s leadership in education, advocacy, and empowerment, a plethora of organizations have developed throughout San Diego County. These organizations specifically focus on promoting progressive values in architecture, urban design, land-use governance, natural resource management, sustainable economic development, climate change resilience, and social justice. As the field of allies has grown, C-3’s role has evolved to provide a platform that promotes creating civic community.

Opportunities for Advocacy and Engagement:

C3sandiego.org

Simon Andrews LinkedIn

Quotes:

• “Some people are critical of redevelopment as a process, but for downtown San Diego at the time, it seemed to be really beneficial to clear the way for redevelopment to happen.” — Simon [9:05]

• “A lot of people would like to see a balance between wealth and their well-being; that level of physical well-being with dignity for individuals as well as the communities.” — Simon [13:54]

• “Between marketing tricks and leadership, things get adopted. It makes life fun.” — Simon [33:30]

• “If this were a pitch for joining C-3 or especially the board, I would say don’t hesitate. There’s so much to be learned, and it’s so valuable. Every single person that I interacted with on those boards, it’s a really great gift.” — Simon [37:48]

• “The visual element works well with the planning element together. They work together.” — Simon [40:38]

• “It's a good thing for the city to have community planning groups, but they should have better backup and better resources available. They could make the community of San Diego that much stronger.” — Simon [44:16]

• “I certainly hope that C-3 continues and endures because there is no other organization quite like it.” — Simon [52:06]

This episode features Paula Stigler Granados, Associate Professor in the School of Public Health at San Diego State University. Paula first discusses environmental health impacts along the San Diego-Tijuana border region and insights from her recent white paper on the public health crisis caused by Tijuana River contamination. She then explores the challenges of managing growth while addressing aging infrastructure and transborder environmental issues, highlighting the need to better communicate risk and learn from past environmental trauma.

Timestamps:

[2:32] Paula’s thoughts on the quote from Temporary Paradise, “This is a single natural region, and a connected social landscape as well, despite the barrier.”

[4:22] Paula’s hopes for the white paper she co-wrote about the Tijuana River being a public health crisis.

[6:12] The pathogens and toxic chemicals our border communities are exposed to from the raw sewage and runoff in the Tijuana River.

[9:11] How those chemicals and toxicity impact our community around the San Diego / Baja border.

[13:25] The importance of communicating better the risk and impact of this public health crisis.

[14:02] Paula’s interest in community-based participatory research.

[18:09] The wealth of information and education now for future generations.

[18:28] The role climate change has on vector-borne diseases such as Chagas disease.

[22:09] The opportunity for the World Design Capital to highlight the intersection of design and environmental stewardship in the San Diego / Tijuana region.

[25:38] Paula highlights the importance of honoring the community members in Imperial Beach and repairing and reducing environmental trauma in the future.

[27:21] The environmental issues in Imperial Beach and surrounding the Border call for all voices to speak up, not just local or national ones.

About C-3

Even before the California Coastal Commission or Environmental Protection Agency existed, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3) was the environmental conscience of San Diego. Since that time, in part due to C-3’s leadership in education, advocacy, and empowerment, a plethora of organizations have developed throughout San Diego County. These organizations specifically focus on promoting progressive values in architecture, urban design, land-use governance, natural resource management, sustainable economic development, climate change resilience, and social justice. As the field of allies has grown, C-3’s role has evolved to provide a platform that promotes creating civic community.

Opportunities for Advocacy and Engagement:

C3sandiego.org

Paula Stigler Granados SDSU

Paula Stigler Granados LinkedIn

Quotes:

• “I’ve always felt this fluidness between Tijuana and San Diego. It’s a region a lot of us are really connected to and a beautiful environment that we share here.” — Paula [3:08]

• “I think communicating risk is incredibly important.” — Paula [12:50]

• “I feel like this is an opportunity to talk about how we can protect our environment, our health, human and public health, as well as design infrastructure that makes it friendlier and a more walkable and healthy environment.” — Paula [23:24]

• “I think it's important to really acknowledge how important it is to resolve this issue and to hear the voices of the people living with this on a daily basis.” — Paula [26:24]

• “Infrastructure will always fail. So what are things that we can put into place that would at least help minimize the amount of failure that will happen?” — Paula [26:43]

• “I believe that the community’s voices are just as important as the local leaders' voices, and they're just as important as anybody else's voice. It’s going to take all of us.” — Paula [27:41]

This episode features Nico Calavita, Professor Emeritus of City Planning at San Diego State University. 

He shares his insightful perspective on the past, present, and future of urban planning and creating affordable and inclusive housing. Nico first shares his background growing up in Italy and his journey to San Diego. He goes into detail on the history of growth management and the city’s Housing Trust Fund and inclusionary housing policy. Nico and Kate reflect on San Diego’s successes in passing the measures, along with the challenges to balance new housing growth with neighborhood quality of life.

Timestamps:

[2:00] Nico’s background in Italy and what brought him to San Diego.

[5:15] Nico’s journey to urban planning and becoming an advocate for affordable housing.

[6:23] His thesis on city and regional planning.

[8:19] Growth management in the 1970s.

[10:34] The five tiers within the Tier Project.

[15:30] How C-3 was part of the coalition that fought to maintain the integrity of the future urbanized areas.

[16:27] The citizens revolt from 1985 to 1988.

[24:26] A few of the basic contradictions of urban planning in San Diego.

[33:57] The Housing Trust Fund.

[1:00:40] Why state funding for affordable housing has decreased considerably over the last 10 years.

[1:19:32] How Nico’s relationship with C-3 began and evolved over the years.

[1:22:25] The challenge in finding a balance between pushing for growth and pushing for housing, while maintaining the quality of life in our neighborhoods.

[1:24:40] How C-3 can provide assistance to the next generation.

About C-3

Even before the California Coastal Commission or Environmental Protection Agency existed, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3) was the environmental conscience of San Diego. Since that time, in part due to C-3’s leadership in education, advocacy, and empowerment, a plethora of organizations have developed throughout San Diego County. These organizations specifically focus on promoting progressive values in architecture, urban design, land-use governance, natural resource management, sustainable economic development, climate change resilience, and social justice. As the field of allies has grown, C-3’s role has evolved to provide a platform that promotes creating civic community.

Opportunities for Advocacy and Engagement:

C3sandiego.org

Nico Calavita LinkedIn

Nico Calavita SDSU

Quotes:

• “I see myself as an advocate for especially the people who have few if any choices.” — Nico [7:34]