o matter who you are or where you come from, education can make a huge difference in your life. Children in District 8 often face many challenges, like being English language learners, having parents with little or no formal education, and coming from low income households. In addition, families might not be aware of all the services that are available for them and how to access those services.
Every student should have access to high-quality education in their neighborhood, all the way from elementary school to high school. San Diego High School is the only high school that serves children from many nearby communities like Logan Heights, Barrio Logan, Golden Hill and North Park. The school is the oldest high school in the county and one of the oldest public schools in California.
David is a San Diego High alumni, and in 2016 he worked tirelessly with many concerned alumni, staff and students to keep the school in its current location through championing San Diego City Proposition I on the ballot. The measure enabled the school to renew its lease and remain in Balboa Park.
David was the first one in his family to attend college, and he believes that college should be for everybody. Every high school student should have the possibility to attend community college. There should be no financial burdens or other barriers that prevent students from applying to the San Diego Community College.
Furthermore, continuing education offers any adult the opportunity to gain or improve their skills so that they can get a better job. The options are so vast, there is truly something for everyone.
Our education system has devalued arts, and many lower income residents don’t have access to arts programs. David has advocated for the City to take a more active role in connecting civic institutions, like Balboa Park, the San Diego Opera, Villa Musica and many others to schools and exposing young children to arts, music, and culture. Research shows that children who have access to arts do better academically.
The Penny for the Arts program ensures that local students have direct access to arts programming. The 5-year plan passed in 2012 and it is important for the City to meet the promised 9.5 percent of the City’s hotel tax collections toward arts programs.
