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  • Contact Us | OTTA United

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  • What is Senate Bill 10 | FAQ | All About Housing | Our Time To Act

    SENATE BILL 10 WHAT IS SB 10? SB 10 is a pro-housing policy that cities can choose to opt in to in order to help advance housing development for their residents. It allows a single large plot of land that currently only has one housing unit to be split, in order to allow for up to ten residential/housing units in “transit rich” or “urban infill” areas. In addition to allowing for more homes to be built in these areas, SB 10 also provides housing faster by changing the environmental review process to prevent unnecessary delays that currently occur under the existing law. WHAT COUNTS AS "TRANSIT RICH" OR "URBAN INFILL" AREAS? Because SB 10 is an opt-in bill, if a city chooses to adopt it, they also can choose how to define these areas. In San Diego, transit rich is defined as “within a 1-mile walk to transit.” Urban infill areas can be thought of as developed areas with room to spare. These areas have the capacity for further development and the existing infrastructure to support it. For more information on urban infill, you can also check out the Southern California Association of Governments’ definition and FAQ . HOW DOES SB 10 CHANGE THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT? SB 10 does not get rid of all environmental reviews. Instead, the bill changes the process so that development is not delayed by trivial lawsuits with anti-housing intentions. Under the current law, the well-intentioned, but long-since overly bureaucratic, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Under CEQA, anti-housing advocates in Berkeley, California sued to stop development because of a potential “environmental threat” that had not been considered. What was the potential environmental threat, those suing under CEQA claimed, the city had “failed to assess?” “Potential noise impacts from loud student parties.” Unfortunately, this “get off my lawn,” “not in my backyard” sentiment permeated the courts as well, and the housing development was blocked. Clearly, this process must change in order for development to occur effectively. Additionally, the process of developing infill in transit rich areas encourages more sustainable lifestyles for new residents. ARE THERE ANY EXCEPTIONS TO WHERE SB 10 CAN BE IMPLEMENTED? Yes. Certain exceptions apply. Areas with severe fire risk, historic designation, or land that has been locally designated for open space for example would not be eligible for lot splitting under SB 10. ARE THERE RESTRICTIONS TO THE SCOPE OF PROJECTS UNDER SB 10? Yes. The project must still meet local building requirements, and may not exceed 3 stories. Without SB 10, areas zoned for only “single family homes” only one housing unit can be developed for every 5,000 sq feet of land. SB 10 allows for more units to be developed on this large plot if the landowner so chooses. Additionally, the key wording in SB 10 is “up to 10 units.” Only one unit can be built for every 1,000 sq ft of the parcel, which means this bill does not allow for cramped, or unrealistic housing units to be developed on a small amount of land. Larger parcels of land can fit the maximum number of units. ARE THERE REQUIREMENTS THAT UNITS BUILT BE AFFORDABLE? While there is no requirement in the bill's language that units be made affordable, Mayor Gloria’s version of the bill would require at least one unit in every parcel that uses SB 10 be made affordable. Additionally, we live in San Diego, land is expensive. If you are forced to purchase more land than necessary to build a house, it will increase the overall cost of the home developed. By decreasing the amount of land required to construct homes, you create the potential for automatically more affordable homes. Furthermore, the addition of more housing supply in the city will put downward pressure on rents and home prices across the region. Economic research shows cities and communities that allow more housing see lower increases in their housing costs compared to cities that do not allow enough housing to be constructed. The city of Auckland, New Zealand for example enacted policies with effects similar to that of SB 10s to promote more housing. Relative to other cities with restrictive housing policies, their rents are up to 35% lower for family housing. HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION? Ask away! We are more than happy to provide more information. Send an email to Nicole Lillie, our Housing Project Director. nicole.lillie@ottaunited.org

  • 2022 Winter Gala – A Sky Full of Stars | OTTA United

    YOU ARE INVITED: This was a monumental year for Our Time to Act United. From advocating for equitable representation of districts during redistricting, to joining our community for San Diego Pride, to enhancing youth and API civic engagement, we have had the privilege of serving our community and seeing our impact firsthand uplift youth. And now it is time to celebrate! We extend a humble invitation to attend our 2022 First Annual Gala: A Sky Full of Stars . We hope you can join us for a night full of excitement, including food from local businesses, a project showcase highlighting this year's efforts, and keynote speakers Aidan Lin, OTTA United's Executive Director, and San Diego's Mayor, Todd Gloria. When: December 11th | 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Where: Multi Purpose Room, in the Student Services Center, at UC San Diego SEE TICKET PRICES BUY YOUR TICKET BUY YOUR TICKET Ticket Price WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU!

  • Midway Project | Our Time To Act

    MIDWAY PROJECT BACKGROUND Midway District, neighboring Old Town San Diego, is home to many notable attractions in SD such as Kobey’s Swap Meet and Pechanga Arena. In 2020, voters approved an increase in the development. Recently, however, the city has recently blocked bids that prioritize housing over building a new stadium. We are advocating for housing to be the first priority in new development. TAKE ACTION GOALS ADVOCATE for housing to be the top priority in Midway development. CALL for the City Council to reject the Mayor's recommendation to cut two bidders out, and instead implement a clear process for analysis and selection. MORE RESOURCES "Politics Report: What San Diegans Are Worried About Now, " Voice of San Diego (April 2022) "Not only do housing and homelessness now rank as the biggest problem for nearly 60 percent of the city, according to this poll, but virtually every other concern has faded from view. No single issue gets more than five percent of people’s attention." "San Diego’s sports arena site is up for grabs. These are the 5 teams competing to remake the property, " San Diego Union-Tribune (January 2022) "What is the strongest bid for San Diego’s sports arena site? " San Diego Union-Tribune (February 2022) "City Staff Picks Preferred Sports Arena Bid, " Voice of San Diego (April 2022) "The staff recommendation shows how much Mayor Todd Gloria is prioritizing a new arena on the land, at least in the case of one of the bidders, over affordable housing.” "San Diego Has a Housing Crisis, Not an Arena Crisis, " Voice of San Diego (April 2022) "Public lands should be used for the greatest public good – which in San Diego means housing, housing, and more housing. City leaders have articulated the importance of housing but the real test will be their decision at Midway." "For the city to give priority to a state-of-the-art entertainment complex, intended to attract more concerts and minor-league sports teams, would be a gross example of misguided public planning. Without sufficient housing, San Diego can’t attract new jobs. Higher education can’t attract students."

  • OTTA United Completes Youth Activation & Workplace Motivation Workshop Series with Catalyst | Our Time To Act

    < Back OTTA United Completes Youth Activation & Workplace Motivation Workshop Series with Catalyst Saturday, June 10, 2023 Our Time to Act United MEDIA CONTACT: Mariya Grabovska, Press Intern ( mariya.grabovska@ottaunited.org ) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OTTA United is proud to announce the successful completion of its Youth Activation & Workplace Motivation Workshop Series with Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties. This two-part series, conducted in collaboration with the California Department of Social Services as part of the Stop the Hate grant, focused on addressing the challenges of "activating" and "motivating" youth in diverse settings. Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties is a community of funders dedicated to investing in social change work. The Stop the Hate grant, a partnership with the California Department of Social Services, aims to support organizations facing difficulties in engaging and motivating youth across diverse contexts, including service, activism, and the workplace. The primary objective was to enhance understanding of the youth perspective, improve intergenerational workplace relations, and provide practical frameworks for incorporating youth into organizational activities. The first workshop, titled "How Youth See Themselves, and How the World Sees Them" was a tremendous success. It was facilitated by Nicole Lillie, Director of Housing Justice, who skillfully guided a diverse group of nonprofit leaders through a dynamic program. Participants were encouraged to examine their preconceptions and biases about both young and older individuals, inspiring rich discussions and insights. Key takeaways from Workshop 1 included valuable tips for optimizing youth outreach, all framed from the youth's perspective. The engaging format and thoughtful content left participants better equipped to bridge generational divides and activate youth engagement effectively. In Workshop 2, "Models for Motivation: Radical Candor in an Intergenerational Workplace" Aidan Lin, Executive Director, led attendees through an exploration of Radical Candor framework as a motivational tool. Radical Candor can be summarized by caring personally about the team, not shying away from being direct of giving feedback, and seeking feedback when necessary. This session emphasized the importance of vulnerability in the workplace and provided participants with a practical understanding of how to employ Radical Candor effectively. An interactive activity allowed participants to practice giving feedback using the Radical Candor model, enhancing their communication skills and fostering a culture of openness and constructive dialogue. Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties extends its sincere gratitude to Aidan Lin, Nicole Lillie, and all participants who contributed to the success of these workshops. The organization remains committed to fostering generational understanding and empowerment. Next Previous

  • OP-ED: "More Housing, For Us and Our Climate" by Nicole Lillie, Housing Projects Director | Our Time To Act

    < Back OP-ED: "More Housing, For Us and Our Climate" by Nicole Lillie, Housing Projects Director Monday, February 6, 2023 Our Time to Act United Our Time to Act (OTTA) United's new Housing Projects Director is making waves. On February 6th, 2023, Nicole Lillie's Op-Ed titled " More Housing, For Us and Our Climate " was published in the UC San Diego Guardian newspaper. In her piece, Housing Projects Director Lillie advocates for more "high-density, multi-family, mixed-use housing" to address both the housing and climate crisis. Housing Crisis Ms. Lillie uses historical data to identify the root cause of housing unaffordability in San Diego and in Southern California. "The ultimate origin of San Diego’s housing crisis is that San Diego has failed to build enough homes overall ... '[b]y one simple measure, San Diego’s lack of homebuilding since 2010 has resulted in 59,000 fewer units than what’s needed to match the population growth in that time.' In order to address the root cause of housing unaffordability and homelessness, we need to build more homes." The status quo in California and across the country holds up single family homes as the solution. But this is a dangerous trend. In fact, single family homes are "rooted in exclusionary housing practices like redlining and racial steering" and are still widely inaccessible to non-white families today. San Diego needs the most effective and economical option: high-density, multi-family, mixed-use housing. Climate Crisis This type of housing also helps us address and combat the climate crisis. Ms. Lillie explains, " 50% of local emissions in the City of San Diego come from transportation. When you build high-density housing near transit, it enables more people to take public transportation instead of personal vehicles. Mixed-use development is also key. This is when you put housing next to commercial buildings. On UC San Diego’s campus, you can study, work, and live — all within a walkable or bikeable distance." In contrast to single family homes, which have higher per capita carbon emissions and reinforce car dependency, high-density and mixed-use are clearly a cleaner choice. OTTA United is proud to be a leader in the housing organizing space in the City of San Diego. Last year, OTTA United helped pass city-wide Community Planning Group reform and pushed high-density housing in University City at a Planning Commission hearing. Housing Projects Director Lillie will continue to trailblaze youth involvement in housing policy and direction in 2023. Read the full Op-Ed here: ucsdguardian.org More Housing, For Us and Our Climate - UCSD Guardian Nicole Lillie is the Housing Projects Director at Our Time to Act United and a second year TMC student studying political science at Next Previous

  • Scott Warren

    Scott Warren is an experienced practitioner and scholar in youth political engagement, and the new Youth Civic/Political Engagement and Leadership Specialist working at DDI in the ID Hub. He comes to USAID from the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University, where he started Democracy Moves, an international network of youth activists, organizations, and scholars pushing for democratic change in their own communities. As part of this work, he was the primary author of Walking the Walk, a report that details how young people are frustrated with traditional institutional politics, but engaging with democracy in new, creative ways. < Back Scott Warren Board Director Scott Warren is an experienced practitioner and scholar in youth political engagement, and the new Youth Civic/Political Engagement and Leadership Specialist working at DDI in the ID Hub. He comes to USAID from the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University, where he started Democracy Moves, an international network of youth activists, organizations, and scholars pushing for democratic change in their own communities. As part of this work, he was the primary author of Walking the Walk, a report that details how young people are frustrated with traditional institutional politics, but engaging with democracy in new, creative ways. scott.warren@ourtimetoact.org

  • API & Youth Voter Engagement | Our Time To Act

    Is the San Diego Asian-Pacific Islander (API) community connected with local politics? Our API Voter Engagement Project (AVEP) utilizes surveys to research this relationship. Represent API Communities API VOTER ENGAGEMENT PROJECT "It is time that our elected offices are reflective of the communities they serve and that members of the API community have a seat at the table." JASON PAGUIO CEO, Asian Business Association San Diego THE FOCUS 9% Nationally, the number of eligible API voters has increased by 9% since 2018, compared to 3% among all eligible voters. The Asian-Pacific Islander Voter Engagement Project (AVEP) focuses on the factors around civil and political engagement or disengagement among the San Diego Asian-Pacific Islander (API) community . This campaign largely focuses on communities such as Mira Mesa, Kearny Mesa, and University City. Surveying is the medium in which we collect information, and the API Voter Engagement Project will be tabling at local community events to encourage survey responses. The survey will be rolled out to assess levels of civic engagement among the API community and to determine why or why not the San Diego API community is connected with local organizing efforts. THE CONTEXT During the 2021 San Diego City Council Redistricting process, we successfully pushed for higher University City to be moved into City Council District 6 to bolster the youth and API population. However, our work isn't done. Bridging the youth and API community will be fundamental to the success of the new City Council District 6. Strengthening this bond through community-building, outreach, and educational activities will provide a strong core of civic engagement and local participation for District 6. Civic engagement takes on many different forms, whether it be attending city hall meetings, signing petitions, or reaching out to local representatives. However, API community members are underrepresented in many of the avenues of political participation, if they are even given a seat at the table, to begin with. The API Voter Engagement Project would like to assess whether community members as they exist today feel empowered to be a vocal part of the community. Do folks feel that their vote matters in San Diego? Are their language needs being considered? Are API members of the community being overlooked by politicians? Perhaps taken for granted? These questions about civic engagement and the API community of San Diego are worth answering. After all, API political representation has come a long way in San Diego. Over the last few years, API members of San Diego have been fighting for increased representation in local politics. Certainly, an example of this broad effort can be seen with the newly redrawn City Council District 6, which includes the communities of Mira Mesa, University City, and Kearny Mesa. Has the API community noticed these efforts? Do these changes encourage even more civic engagement from the community? In 2020, API voter turnout was up 26% since 2008. Despite improvements, 44% of eligible API voters remained unregistered in 2020. THE IMPACT 346 20 330 4 Homes canvassed People Surveyed Hours worked Staff members THE SURVEY 1 Screening, 5 topics, 10 questions. That's all to it. Contents: Community Engagement Identities and Voting API Outreach and Presentation Reflecting on Your Vote Language Needs Take the survey yourself and be part of our initiative! View Survey Questions THE GOALS Here are our goals laid out. Show up for the community Build rap port with community members Connect with community leaders Collect 350 survey responses Analyze and share survey results Sparky.Mitra@ottaunited.org INSTAGRAM LAUNCH Take a look at Sparky Mitra's, AVEP Project Director, launch video explaining how her team plans to engage with local API communities in the upcoming election. The video is posted on our Instagram (@ottaunited). Go to Video MEET THE TEAM Our mission is dedicated to building your power in San Diego. We aim to connect youth to the API community in places of celebration via event participation and tabling. Thus far, we've worked on organizing youth throughout the redistricting process to champion not only youth voices but aim to build a stronger API district. Sparky Mitra Project Director Donovan Schipper Project Coordinator Benjamin Wang Researcher McKayla Sarmiento Researcher

  • Isaac Lara

    Isaac Lara holds a Bachelors of Science in Clinical Psychology and Global Health, and is currently a graduate student studying Global Health at the University of California, San Diego. He officially joined Our Time To Act in December 2021 as the Assistant Director of Outreach. In the past, Isaac received the Excellence in Promoting Mental Health and Distinguished Senior Service Awards, along with recognition from various organizations for his dedication and service. Isaac enjoys going to music festivals, trying new food and boba spots, reading, and spending time with his yorkie in his free time. < Back Isaac Lara Director of Communications Isaac Lara holds a Bachelors of Science in Clinical Psychology and Global Health, and is currently a graduate student studying Global Health at the University of California, San Diego. He officially joined Our Time To Act in December 2021 as the Assistant Director of Outreach. In the past, Isaac received the Excellence in Promoting Mental Health and Distinguished Senior Service Awards, along with recognition from various organizations for his dedication and service. Isaac enjoys going to music festivals, trying new food and boba spots, reading, and spending time with his yorkie in his free time. isaac.lara@ourtimetoact.org

  • Aidan Lin and OTTA United featured in State of the City Speech by SD Mayor Gloria | Our Time To Act

    < Back Aidan Lin and OTTA United featured in State of the City Speech by SD Mayor Gloria Wednesday, January 11, 2023 Our Time to Act United On January 11th, 2023, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria held his first in-person and third ever State of the City Address. The Mayor declared the city to be ‘rising’ to meet prevalent challenges and that “our best days lie ahead.” His address focused on infrastructure, public safety, homelessness, and housing. It was during his segment on housing where Mayor Gloria spotlighted the work of Aidan Lin, Executive Director of Our Time to Act United, with youth and students in housing solutions. “Aidan is a 20-year-old student at UC San Diego. He currently has a 3.9 GPA, and while in high school, he founded a non-profit known as ‘ Our Time to Act United ,’ which works to empower young people.” The Mayor continued, “He’s already deeply involved in the civic life of our city – advocating for the Asian Pacific Islander community, shaping City Council Districts, and enthusiastically pushing for more housing and transit options.” Last year, OTTA United took on several advocacy projects — specifically focusing on the area surrounding UC San Diego — to promote increased housing stock, transit options, and building density to combat the worsening housing and climate crises. Students mobilized by OTTA United showed up in support of much-needed community planning group reform and density in the University Community Plan Update . Shortly after highlighting Mr. Lin, Mayor Gloria outlined the actions the city has taken to build more homes. This includes signing an executive order that directs all city staff to complete reviews and approvals of 100-percent affordable housing projects within 30 days, a process that currently takes up to six months. OTTA United looks forward to continuing its housing organizing and advocacy efforts in 2023 and greatly appreciates the acknowledgment of youth and youth leaders in the struggle for affordable housing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKLiZtqN7bA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyslaH1kgGU Next Previous

  • Karis Lin

    Karis (she/her) is currently a student at Homestead Highschool. She briefly joined Our Time To Act in May-August 2022 as a Graphic Design Intern, and returned in March 2024 as OTTA's People Specialist. Outside of Our Time To Act, Karis is actively involved in her school's leadership program as a class officer, helping plan events that create a sense of belonging within Homestead's community. Additionally, she is in the process of completing Royal Conservatory of Music Level 10 for piano and has been playing the instrument for the past 12 years. In her free time, Karis enjoys messing around on the piano, listening to music, playing tennis, and gaming. Ultimately, she hopes to use her skills to help OTTA continue to grow as an organization. < Back Karis Lin People Specialist Karis (she/her) is currently a student at Homestead Highschool. She briefly joined Our Time To Act in May-August 2022 as a Graphic Design Intern, and returned in March 2024 as OTTA's People Specialist. Outside of Our Time To Act, Karis is actively involved in her school's leadership program as a class officer, helping plan events that create a sense of belonging within Homestead's community. Additionally, she is in the process of completing Royal Conservatory of Music Level 10 for piano and has been playing the instrument for the past 12 years. In her free time, Karis enjoys messing around on the piano, listening to music, playing tennis, and gaming. Ultimately, she hopes to use her skills to help OTTA continue to grow as an organization. karis.lin@ourtimetoact.org

  • Manu Agni

    Manu Agni (he/him) is a transit advocate, transportation planning student at UC San Diego, and a Board member at youth empowerment nonprofit Our Time to Act. At UC San Diego, he has served as Student Body President, helping manage the U-PASS transit program and advocacy for thousands of students. In these roles, he has worked to help develop extension transportation choices for students and young people in San Diego, including walking, bicycling, and easy transit access. He has also worked in consulting for transit projects, and serves on MTS’ Community Advisory, and Passenger Safety & Security boards. < Back Manu Agni Board Director Manu Agni (he/him) is a transit advocate, transportation planning student at UC San Diego, and a Board member at youth empowerment nonprofit Our Time to Act. At UC San Diego, he has served as Student Body President, helping manage the U-PASS transit program and advocacy for thousands of students. In these roles, he has worked to help develop extension transportation choices for students and young people in San Diego, including walking, bicycling, and easy transit access. He has also worked in consulting for transit projects, and serves on MTS’ Community Advisory, and Passenger Safety & Security boards. manu.agni@ourtimetoact.org

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