Fourth attack in North Park spurs Council President Gloria’s request for help
Following news of a fourth attack on women in North Park in June, Council President Todd Gloria urged San Diegans to contact authorities with any information leading to the arrest of the alleged attackers.
“These crimes are out of character, and solving them will return the neighborhood to normal,” Gloria stated in a press release. “It’s critical that we not allow attackers or other criminals to steal the communities we love.”
The assaults occurred on June 11, 17, 21 and 24. All the alleged victims reported walking alone at night when they were knocked to the ground from behind. Multiple victims reported that the suspect attempted to remove their clothes before fleeing the scene.
The sketch of one of the alleged attackers depicts a light-skinned Latino man, 23 or 24-years-old, about 5 foot 8 inches tall, wearing a black shirt, a black and white long-sleeved shirt and had braces. The attacker’s companion is described as Latino, 28 to 29-years-old, who spoke with a Spanish accent and wore a hooded sweatshirt.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the San Diego Police Department by calling 619-516-3000 or, to leave an anonymous tip, call Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
Cupcake Extravaganza to hit South Park
From July 4 – 6, those with a sweet tooth can head down to the Bar & Bistro at 2145 Fern St. to experience the Seventh Annual Cupcake Extravaganza. Featuring 24 exotic flavors to tantalize your taste buds, cupcakes can be bought and sampled by the whole family.
Every purchase of nine cupcakes for $20 will include an entry into winning a year’s supply cupcakes, along with dozens of other prizes. A second grand prize will be donated to “It’s All About The Kids,” a non-profit organization benefiting children in need.
City challenges San Diegans to get fit
The City’s Park and Recreation Department is hosting a new summer program aimed to get San Diegans excited about exercising at city parks. Starting on Monday, July 14, participants will be challenged to walk 30 miles in 30 days at one of the city’s 340 parks.
Swimmers have also been challenged to complete 20 miles in a City pool.
“We hope [the program] encourages our residents to get out and visit our park sites and take advantage of the unique opportunities our parks provide,” City Park and Recreation Director Herman Parker stated in a press release. “Let’s get fit San Diego!”
City staff will lead walks and track participant progress, as well as reward finishers with complimentary t-shirts. Those interested can sign up for the program between July 14 – Aug. 1 at any City recreation center.
For more information or to find a park near you, visit sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation.
E-cigarette ordinance moves forward
Councilmember Mark Kersey’s proposed ordinance to regulate the sale and use of electronic cigarettes more strictly in San Diego County was passed at the City Council’s Public Safety and Livable Neighborhoods Committee on June 18 and is now headed to the full City Council.
If passed by the council, the two ordinances would tailor the sale of the battery-operated devices to that of tobacco products — meaning retailers would have to obtain a police permit to sell the product, prohibit the sale of the devices through vending machines and restrict advertisements in publicly visible areas.
In addition, use of e-cigarettes would be restricted to private residences, vehicles, e-cigarette shops and vaping lounges.
“These regulations will protect our youth and empower our law enforcement to ensure that electronic cigarettes are used only by responsible adults in appropriate settings,” Kersey stated in a press release. “I believe this is a balanced approach that is right for San Diego and will serve as a model for other cities.”
Assembly’s LGBT Caucus names Gloria ‘Hero’
Council President Todd Gloria was honored by the California State Assembly on June 23 as an LGBT Hero for Excellence in Public Service. As one of ten honorees of the award, Gloria was nominated by Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) and Assembly Speaker Emeritus John Perez.
“I am extremely humbled to be honored by California state leaders. Our state is home to many impressive members of the LGBT community, and to be included in such an impressive group is a proud moment for me,” Gloria stated in a press release. “Serving San Diego is rewarding every day, so this recognition is a true bonus.”
Other honorees included Kate Kendall, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, actor and civil rights advocate George Takei, and founder of the San Francisco Suicide Prevention Hotline Bernard Mayes.
Gloria was also recently recognized as one of the nation’s most promising young leaders in government with the Aspen Institute’s Rodel Fellowship Program for Public Leadership Award.
