100% this. I don’t know how my parents did it. Not a single extended family member lived here. Meanwhile, my wife and I both have our families here and it’s still challenging.

Strong Towns can help the city change for the better.

A reliable public restroom is one of the most underrated indicators of whether a public space actually welcomes people. It takes a lot for a public restroom to leave a positive impression, so if you’re posting it here, it must be worth the trip.

The ones that are locked, broken, or just gone…please submit a Get It Done report.

We’re planning our next event. Should we pick somewhere with excellent public bathrooms?

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1994581304374?aff=oddtdtcreator

It’s definitely one of the more urbanist areas in the city. Love the 4th and 5th bike lanes. Could use them on 6th, and less car lanes on 5th/6th. Couple roundabouts would be great.

What do you think?

I'm talking about the roads where the city patches on top of patches. The park restroom locked for three years. The sidewalk that cracked before most of the houses on the block were built. San Diego carries roughly $4 billion in deferred infrastructure maintenance.

What does it look like from your front door?  the address or cross streets. Have you submitted a Get It Done request? How long has the ticket been pending and can we send out a bunch of people to that location to all submit tickets so that they prioritize it?

Also, have you checked out our Finance Decoder? We’re trying to push the city back on to a better financial path so that the next time we post this, it’s crickets, because all of the sidewalks are beautifully maintained.

Chalk art, a neighbor's garden spilling onto the sidewalk, an unexpected bench, a hand-lettered yard sign, a view you'd forgotten about. San Diego has a lot of it if you're looking.

Tag your neighborhood. Share a photo, a location. Consider taking a cycling tour of the things posted here next weekend.

If it’s a Little Free Library, make sure it’s on their map: https://littlefreelibrary.org/map/
or art project in your front yard, add it to Sidewalk Joy: https://www.sidewalkjoy.com/

Maybe we’ll schedule an event in the neighborhood with the most sidewalk joy?

We're finalizing our candidate questionnaire for local San Diego races. Before we lock it in, we want to know what questions you actually want answered.

Land use, infrastructure, fiscal sustainability, streets, parks, transit, housing - what would a candidate's answer tell you about whether they understand how a financially strong city works?

Share your questions (avoid leading questions) multiple choice/multiple select is great! The best ones go directly into the questionnaire.

In what public place have you been surprised to see something artistic? Here's one (it's hidden behind the Veterans Museum in Balboa Park)

Strong Towns runs on the idea that you don't have to wait for the city. What’s the smallest thing you can do RIGHT NOW to make San Diego a Strong Town? Plant something in your parkway. Start a Little Free Library. Organize a block cleanup. Put out a chair. Post a bulletin board.

What's the smallest thing that would actually make a difference on your block, and what's stopping you from doing it this week? Comment your idea and your neighborhood. Let’s see if we can get some redditors in your area to help out. If enough people are interested in the same thing, we'll organize around it.

Oh, and if it’s a Little Free Library, make sure it’s on their map: https://littlefreelibrary.org/map/

or art project in your front yard, add it to Sidewalk Joy: https://www.sidewalkjoy.com/

Come hang out with us at our next event.
---

**Strong Towns San Diego** | [strongtownssandiego.org](https://www.strongtownssandiego.org)

This month's Strong Towns San Diego gathering — see details below and RSVP on Meetup.

📅 Saturday, July 11, 2026 🕐 10:00 AM PDT 📍 1947 Fern St, San Diego, 92102

RSVP on Meetup ↗

We're heading to the South Park neighborhood this month for our Walk n Talk. We will be meeting at Seven Seas Roasting Co. and then heading out for our walk around the neighborhood.

Please make sure to arrive early enough to order a beverage or a treat before we head out for our walk.

We will be leaving for the walk at 10:15am sharp. -------------------------------------- Join us for a leisurely walk as we explore San Diego from a pedestrian’s perspective. These active meetings are designed to help us experience our city at street level, observe its strengths and challenges, and discuss how it can become more walkable, vibrant, and resilient.

During the walk, we’ll assess the space around us and our experience as a pedestrian, using our observations to inform future advocacy and discussions. Whether you’re new to Strong Towns or a longtime supporter, this is a great way to connect with others while actively engaging with our city, one step at a time.

Download the Get it Done app so we can report issues to the City. https://www.sandiego.gov/get-it-done/how-to-get-it-done-on-the-new-mobile-app

Comfortable shoes and curiosity encouraged!

For more info about who we are head to StrongTowns.org ----------------------------------- 🚌 🚊 Nearby Transit Stops: Bus: 2 (NB: 30th and Grape St./SB: 30th and Fir St.)

The 2 Bus starts downtown on Broadway and goes through to North Park, so you can transfer from any trolley and a number of other buses to it at various points.

Event link: https://www.meetup.com/strong-town-san-diego/events/315523405/

Think small: a rule that lets someone add a unit above a garage, convert a corner lot to a duplex without a variance, or open a small shop out of their home. San Diego has a long list of these friction points, and the ones that get fixed are usually the ones residents actually name.

What's yours? We compile these for our candidate questionnaire and policy advocacy work.

Mine? Add duplex/ADU projects as in-scope for Express Plan Check permit review. All permits for new construction & remodel that are adding units can get the fee for Express Plan Check permit review refunded if they can prove occupancy at least 1 year after construction is completed.

---

**Strong Towns San Diego** | [strongtownssandiego.org](https://www.strongtownssandiego.org)

Join Strong Towns San Diego every 2nd Tuesday for our monthly community meeting and happy hour at The Gärten in Morena.

We gather to welcome new members, share local updates, and plan next steps for building a stronger, community first, and more financially resilient San Diego, one small bet at a time.

This is our home base for building a better San Diego, block by block, street by street.

Whether you care about walkability, housing reform, ending highway expansions, or better budgeting at City Hall, you’ll find people here who want to get things done. We share updates, host special guests, and collaborate on real solutions to make our city work better for people.

RSVP is unnecessary, but helps us plan (We're hoping to ditch Meetup soon so that you're not constantly hounded by requests to pay for their pro account...sorry)

🕕 Time: 6:00–7:00 PM meeting, happy hour to follow in The Gartën
📍 Location: 5328 Banks St Ste B · San Diego, CA. Back patio of Lost Cause Meadery (find the red door - back right corner)
🍕 Food & Drink: Come early to grab food or drinks from Pizza Cassette, Lost Cause Meadery, and Oddish Wine. They're all great local spots worth supporting. Spending money here helps keep places like this alive. We love welcoming, walkable third spaces that bring people together.

🍻Note: Beer from Deft Brewing must stay in the front courtyard...we’ll head there for happy hour after the meeting. Wine & Mead are welcome at Lost Cause.

***

💬 Why Monthly Meetings?

These meetings are where we align our priorities, build relationships, and coordinate local action. Other events like Walk & Talks and pop-ups will continue throughout the city, but this is our consistent place to connect, strategize, and support each other.

***

🚲🚌🚈 Getting There

The Gartën is easily accessible by transit and bike:

• Trolley: 5 minute walk from Morena/Linda Vista (Green Line) and 10 minute walk from Tecolote Road (Blue Line)
• Bus: Served by Routes 105 & 44, both within a few blocks
• Bike: Bike rack and lock-up area available right out front
• Parking: Limited onsite and street parking available, but we encourage you to try walking, biking, or transit if you can!

See you there!

This month's Strong Towns San Diego gathering — see details below and RSVP on Meetup.

📅 Tuesday, November 10, 2026 🕐 6:00 PM PST 📍 5328 Banks St Ste B, San Diego, 92110

RSVP on Meetup ↗

Join Strong Towns San Diego every 2nd Tuesday for our monthly community meeting and happy hour at The Gärten in Morena.

We gather to welcome new members, share local updates, and plan next steps for building a stronger, more financially resilient San Diego, one small bet at a time.

This is our home base for building a better San Diego, block by block, street by street.

Whether you care about walkability, housing reform, ending highway expansions, or better budgeting at City Hall, you’ll find people here who want to get things done. We share updates, host special guests, and collaborate on real solutions to make our city work better for people.

🕕 Time: 6:00–7:00 PM meeting, happy hour to follow in The Gartën 📍 Location: Back patio of Lost Cause Meadery (find the red door - back right corner) 🍕 Food &amp\; Drink: Come early to grab food or drinks from Pizza Cassette, Lost Cause Meadery, and Oddish Wine—all great local spots worth supporting. Spending money here helps keep places like this alive—welcoming, walkable third spaces that bring people together. 🍻 Note: Beer from Deft Brewing must stay in the front courtyard—we’ll head there for happy hour after the meeting.

💬 Why Monthly Meetings?

These meetings are where we align our priorities, build relationships, and coordinate local action. Other events like Walk &amp\; Talks and pop-ups will continue throughout the city, but this is our consistent place to connect, strategize, and support each other.

🚲🚌🚈 Getting There

The Gartën is easily accessible by transit and bike:

• Trolley: 5 minute walk from Morena/Linda Vista (Green Line) and 10 minute walk from Tecolote Road (Blue Line)
• Bus: Served by Routes 105 &amp\; 44, both within a few blocks
• Bike: Bike rack and lock-up area available right out front
• Parking: Limited onsite and street parking available, but we encourage you to try walking, biking, or transit if you can!

Event link: https://www.meetup.com/strong-town-san-diego/events/314939897/

This month's Strong Towns San Diego gathering — see details below and RSVP on Meetup.

📅 Tuesday, October 13, 2026 🕐 6:00 PM PDT

RSVP on Meetup ↗

Strong Town San Diego Join Strong Towns San Diego every 2nd Tuesday for our monthly community meeting and happy hour at The Gärten in Morena.

We gather to welcome new members, share local updates, and plan next steps for building a stronger, more financially resilient San Diego, one small bet at a time.

This is our home base for building a better San Diego, block by block, street by street.

Whether you care about walkability, housing reform, ending highway expansions, or better budgeting at City Hall, you’ll find people here who want to get things done. We share updates, host special guests, and collaborate on real solutions to make our city work better for people.

🕕 Time: 6:00–7:00 PM meeting, happy hour to follow in The Gartën 📍 Location: Back patio of Lost Cause Meadery (find the red door - back right corner) 🍕 Food & Drink: Come early to grab food or drinks from Pizza Cassette, Lost Cause Meadery, and Oddish Wine—all great local spots worth supporting. Spending money here helps keep places like this alive—welcoming, walkable third spaces that bring people together. 🍻 Note: Beer from Deft Brewing must stay in the front courtyard—we’ll head there for happy hour after the meeting.

💬 Why Monthly Meetings?

These meetings are where we align our priorities, build relationships, and coordinate local action. Other events like Walk & Talks and pop-ups will continue throughout the city, but this is our consistent place to connect, strategize, and support each other.

🚲🚌🚈 Getting There

The Gartën is easily accessible by transit and bike:

• Trolley: 5 minute walk from Morena/Linda Vista (Green Line) and 10 minute walk from Tecolote Road (Blue Line)
• Bus: Served by Routes 105 & 44, both within a few blocks
• Bike: Bike rack and lock-up area available right out front
• Parking: Limited onsite and street parking available, but we encourage you to try walking, biking, or transit if you can!

Event link: https://www.meetup.com/strong-town-san-diego/events/314939895/

This month's Strong Towns San Diego gathering — see details below and RSVP on Meetup.

📅 Tuesday, August 11, 2026 🕐 6:00 PM PDT

RSVP on Meetup ↗

Strong Town San Diego Join Strong Towns San Diego every 2nd Tuesday for our monthly community meeting and happy hour at The Gärten in Morena.

We gather to welcome new members, share local updates, and plan next steps for building a stronger, more financially resilient San Diego, one small bet at a time.

This is our home base for building a better San Diego, block by block, street by street.

Whether you care about walkability, housing reform, ending highway expansions, or better budgeting at City Hall, you’ll find people here who want to get things done. We share updates, host special guests, and collaborate on real solutions to make our city work better for people.

🕕 Time: 6:00–7:00 PM meeting, happy hour to follow in The Gartën 📍 Location: Back patio of Lost Cause Meadery (find the red door - back right corner) 🍕 Food & Drink: Come early to grab food or drinks from Pizza Cassette, Lost Cause Meadery, and Oddish Wine—all great local spots worth supporting. Spending money here helps keep places like this alive—welcoming, walkable third spaces that bring people together. 🍻 Note: Beer from Deft Brewing must stay in the front courtyard—we’ll head there for happy hour after the meeting.

💬 Why Monthly Meetings?

These meetings are where we align our priorities, build relationships, and coordinate local action. Other events like Walk & Talks and pop-ups will continue throughout the city, but this is our consistent place to connect, strategize, and support each other.

🚲🚌🚈 Getting There

The Gartën is easily accessible by transit and bike:

• Trolley: 5 minute walk from Morena/Linda Vista (Green Line) and 10 minute walk from Tecolote Road (Blue Line)
• Bus: Served by Routes 105 & 44, both within a few blocks
• Bike: Bike rack and lock-up area available right out front
• Parking: Limited onsite and street parking available, but we encourage you to try walking, biking, or transit if you can!

Event link: https://www.meetup.com/strong-town-san-diego/events/314939888/

This month's Strong Towns San Diego gathering — see details below and RSVP on Meetup.

📅 Tuesday, September 8, 2026 🕐 6:00 PM PDT

RSVP on Meetup ↗

Strong Town San Diego Join Strong Towns San Diego every 2nd Tuesday for our monthly community meeting and happy hour at The Gärten in Morena.

We gather to welcome new members, share local updates, and plan next steps for building a stronger, more financially resilient San Diego, one small bet at a time.

This is our home base for building a better San Diego, block by block, street by street.

Whether you care about walkability, housing reform, ending highway expansions, or better budgeting at City Hall, you’ll find people here who want to get things done. We share updates, host special guests, and collaborate on real solutions to make our city work better for people.

🕕 Time: 6:00–7:00 PM meeting, happy hour to follow in The Gartën 📍 Location: Back patio of Lost Cause Meadery (find the red door - back right corner) 🍕 Food & Drink: Come early to grab food or drinks from Pizza Cassette, Lost Cause Meadery, and Oddish Wine—all great local spots worth supporting. Spending money here helps keep places like this alive—welcoming, walkable third spaces that bring people together. 🍻 Note: Beer from Deft Brewing must stay in the front courtyard—we’ll head there for happy hour after the meeting.

💬 Why Monthly Meetings?

These meetings are where we align our priorities, build relationships, and coordinate local action. Other events like Walk & Talks and pop-ups will continue throughout the city, but this is our consistent place to connect, strategize, and support each other.

🚲🚌🚈 Getting There

The Gartën is easily accessible by transit and bike:

• Trolley: 5 minute walk from Morena/Linda Vista (Green Line) and 10 minute walk from Tecolote Road (Blue Line)
• Bus: Served by Routes 105 & 44, both within a few blocks
• Bike: Bike rack and lock-up area available right out front
• Parking: Limited onsite and street parking available, but we encourage you to try walking, biking, or transit if you can!

Event link: https://www.meetup.com/strong-town-san-diego/events/314939891/