Greener South Bay
Investing in a Greener Future
In 2021, we established the Climate Equity Fund, a transformative initiative born from discussions on the electric and gas franchise agreements, with a clear mission: to utilize franchise fee revenue to fund projects that help our communities adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change while advancing social equity.
Since its inception, the Climate Equity Fund has directed over $14 million toward projects that enhance public safety, recreational spaces, and community infrastructure in District 8. These investments are helping to build vibrant neighborhoods that improve residents' quality of life. Here are just a few examples of the progress we’ve made together:
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Cleaner South Bay
Building a Cleaner South San Diego County
Since taking office, Councilmember Vivian Moreno has been a driving force in making South San Diego cleaner and more environmentally responsible. She has organized over 65 dumpster drop-offs, removing more than 230 tons of debris across her district. These efforts have provided residents with accessible disposal options, reducing illegal dumping and protecting local ecosystems. By prioritizing community cleanliness, Vivian has helped create safer, healthier, and more vibrant neighborhoods.
Addressing Pollution in the Tijuana River Valley
Vivian has taken action to combat pollution in the Tijuana River Valley. In October, she successfully passed a council resolution calling on the President and Congress to declare the site a national emergency, demanding federal action to fund infrastructure solutions. Recognizing the urgency of the crisis, she has been unwavering in her commitment to securing the necessary resources to address the ongoing environmental hazards.
Her leadership dates back to 2018 when she pushed the city attorney to join a lawsuit demanding a $350 million upgrade to wastewater treatment facilities. Despite initial resistance, Vivian’s persistence ensured the city took legal action to hold polluters accountable and invest in long-term solutions for cleaner water in South Bay.
Reducing Truck Pollution in Barrio Logan
To improve air quality and reduce noise pollution in Barrio Logan, Vivian championed efforts to prevent large trucks from cutting through residential streets—especially during late-night hours. She helped establish a designated truck route with clear signage and enforcement mechanisms. Now, truck drivers who violate the route can be fined, significantly improving quality of life for residents.Additionally, she secured funding for a new roundabout in Barrio Logan to slow traffic and enhance pedestrian safety, reinforcing her commitment to smart infrastructure improvements.
Tackling Graffiti and Beautifying Public Spaces
Vivian has also fought to increase graffiti cleanup services in underserved areas. Two years ago, District 8 had the lowest level of graffiti removal services in the city. She successfully pushed for dedicated funding in the city budget to hire two full-time officers focused on graffiti abatement in South San Diego. As a result, cleanup efforts have accelerated, improving the appearance and livability of the community.
Through her leadership, Vivian Moreno continues to champion policies that make South San Diego cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable for all residents
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Safer South Bay
Investing in a New Fire Station
Public safety has been a cornerstone of Vivian’s work. Recognizing the critical need for adequate resources to protect the community, she invested in public safety by purchasing land for a new firefighter station in Otay Mesa. With new housing developments emerging in the area, the need for additional emergency services was evident, and Vivian’s foresight in securing land for the station has paved the way for its future development.
Supporting Police Retention and Recruitment
Alongside this, she has been a strong advocate for police officer retention and recruitment, pushing for better compensation and programs to retain officers in the city. With the department stretched thin and officers frequently working overtime, Vivian understands the importance of ensuring there are enough officers available to respond to emergencies. She has fought for increased compensation to make San Diego a more attractive place for officers to stay, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships between police officers and the communities they serve.
Enhancing Lifeguard Services
In addition to her work in public safety, Vivian has been a champion for improving lifeguard services, advocating for enhanced compensation, training, and equipment to ensure they are prepared for emergencies. Her support for lifeguards underscores her commitment to safeguarding all aspects of the community’s well-being.
Improving Lighting and Sidewalks for a Safer Community
Vivian has also made significant strides in enhancing the safety and livability of the South Bay through lighting and sidewalk improvements. She secured funding from the Climate Equity Fund for annual allocations to install or upgrade streetlights in areas that need them most. This initiative is crucial in improving safety and visibility for residents, especially during evening hours.One notable achievement was her successful effort to have a stretch of sidewalk built that had been promised to residents 15 years ago but had been erased from the project list. Vivian’s persistence led to a direct allocation for this long-awaited project, fulfilling a long-standing commitment to the community.
Strengthening Fire Safety and Brush Management
Additionally, Vivian called for an audit of the city’s brush management and fire safety practices. The audit revealed that certain city departments were not maintaining brush-clearing efforts to the necessary standards, putting the community at greater risk of wildfires. In response, Vivian worked to cut through red tape and ensure that the city was taking the necessary steps to reduce fire hazards and protect residents from the dangers of wildfire.
Safer Neighborhoods Through Infrastructure Improvements
As Councilmember, Vivian has been a strong advocate for safer neighborhoods, leading efforts to address neglected dirt roads and alleys that posed hazards to residents. She successfully pushed to remove the outdated “Unimproved Streets” designation from the Municipal Code, which had long prevented city maintenance and improvements. Vivian also secured funding for studies to determine the best paving solutions, laying the groundwork for long-overdue infrastructure upgrades. Her leadership has been instrumental in making these projects a priority, ensuring safer and more accessible streets for District 8.
Brigther South Bay
Building a Brighter South San Diego County
Councilmember Vivian Moreno has been a steadfast champion for arts, culture, and community investment in South San Diego. She has worked to preserve and expand cultural spaces, protect vital community programs, and ensure equitable funding for recreational services.
Strengthening Arts and Culture
- Played a key role in securing funding for the Chicano Park Museum, raising $40,000 through private fundraising and securing an additional $100,000 in city funds for critical upgrades.
- Partnered with Mayor Gloria to fund the Cypress Drive Cultural Corridor in San Ysidro, enhancing mobility and integrating public art to celebrate the area’s rich history.
Protecting and Expanding Community Programs
- Saved after-school programs in recreation centers and libraries after they were slated for budget cuts.
- Called for an audit of Parks and Recreation programming, revealing service disparities in South San Diego. This led to increased programming and more funding for recreation centers in South Bay.
Preserving Historic Community Spaces
- Prevented the sale of the historic Logan Library, ensuring it remains a vital resource for the community.
Through her leadership, Vivian Moreno continues to invest in South San Diego’s cultural and community assets, making the region a more vibrant and equitable place for all residents.
Kinder South Bay
Councilmember Moreno has called for clearer enforcement against illegal street activities by the homeless, while simultaneously increasing shelter spaces and support services like mental health and addiction treatments. Vivian advocated for using existing city and county facilities to expand shelter availability and insisted on involving county social and mental health workers in outreach efforts to address underlying issues among the homeless population. Additionally, together with Father Joe’s Villages, Chelsea Investment Corp. and the San Diego Housing Commission, Vivian opened Benson Place which provides 82 units of supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness.
Stronger South Bay
As chair of the Land Use and Housing Committee, Councilmember Vivian Moreno has led efforts to expand housing access, support working families, and improve transportation infrastructure in South San Diego County. She has championed major housing reforms to increase the supply of affordable homes and helped distribute $218 million in emergency rental assistance to 18,000 families in need during the pandemic. To provide long-term support for struggling families, she helped establish the $3.57 million Housing Stability Fund, which offers rental subsidies of up to $500 per month for those at risk of losing their homes.
Recognizing the need for housing options that serve all income levels, Vivian created the Middle-Income Density Bonus Program, an initiative that incentivizes the development of homes for middle-income San Diegans. She also worked with the Housing Commission to strengthen First-Time Homebuyer Programs, allowing a larger portion of down payments to be covered and making homeownership more attainable for low-income families. Additionally, she passed the Housing Preservation Ordinance, a city law that prevents affordable homes from being converted into luxury units, protecting longtime residents from displacement.
Beyond housing, Vivian has been a strong advocate for improved transportation and infrastructure. As chair of the SANDAG Bayshore Bikeway Working Group, she has supported the completion of the Bayfront Bikeway, which enhances mobility and sustainability along the waterfront. She also backed the Logan Heights Harbor Drive 2.0 Project, a transformative effort to revamp Harbor Drive near the Convention Center, improving access and traffic flow for local residents and businesses.
Through her leadership, Vivian Moreno continues to fight for housing stability, affordability, and smart infrastructure investments, ensuring that South San Diego communities have the resources and support they need to thrive.
