In 2015, several Del Cero residents formed a neighborhood nonprofit which became the Friends of Del Cerro (FODC), a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, community organization of local residents and businesses committed to increasing the cohesiveness of Del Cerro and the surrounding communities by promoting and providing for safety, beautification and economic development.
Jackie O’Connor is the president and one of the founding members of FODC. “I sincerely hope you will spend some time learning about FODC and the mission and goals we are working towards.”
The FODC has undertaken several major projects for Del Cerro. Following the fire in Adobe Falls Canyon three years ago, FODC learned the city’s Fire and Rescue department needed more special tools to fight the increasing number of canyon fires in the city. FODC contacted the San Diego Padres and they agreed to match up to $5,000. The equipment cost $10,000. SDSU donated $2,500. FODC matched the SDSU donation and $10,000 was presented to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Foundation. The tools were purchased and are now on the fire trucks.
Expanding Neighborhood Watch is an on-going effort. Working with the police department’s Community Relations Officer for the Navajo Community area. The FODC spearheaded a successful effort to increase the number of Neighborhood Watch areas in Del Cerro. There are now 46 block captains in Del Cerro.
Currently FODC is working in cooperation with the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department on upgrading a number of areas at the Princess Del Cerro Park. Mark Allan is the vice president of FODC and chairs the Princess Del Cerro Park Committee.
For the past two years Mark has been working with Kelly Wood, the Area Manager for the city’s Park and Recreation Department. Mark has some great news. “I have been informed the city is funding the resurfacing of the basketball court. This funding will repair the cracked cement and put a new surface over the entire court. Now that the city is funding the resurfacing, the FODC will be purchasing new backboards for the courts. We will also be working on refurbishing some of the playground equipment and repairing the sponsored brick area in front of the playground.”
FODC is working closely with SDSU on several Capstone Projects. These have been year-long group projects for Masters degree students. The most recent Capstone Projects were evaluating crime and safety in Del Cerro, and what residents would like to see developed for Adobe Falls. We are also currently working with SDSU professors and the SDSU administration on refining the scope of Adobe Falls for SDSU as an environmental research area.
Visit the FODC website at friendsofdelcerro.org for more information and to become a member.
— By Jay Wilson
