One of the best things about living in San Diego is the network of neighborhoods that give it a small town feel. Ask folks where they live and they usually don't say "San Diego." They tell you about their community -- maybe South University City, Bird Rock, Hillcrest, or Carmel Valley. There are more than forty neighborhoods in San Diego and each has unique charms that its residents identify with, making it feel like home.
I recently had an opportunity to experience one of Rancho Penasquitos' special features, on a tour of Penasquitos Canyon with SDSU biologist, Sierra Hayden. Ms. Hayden is conducting a study on the effects of urbanization on mammals in San Diego County.
If you lived in any other city our size -- like Philadelphia, Dallas, Phoenix -- and you wanted to experience this kind of natural treasure, you'd have to take a vacation. As your city council representative, you can be assured that I appreciate the unique character of this canyon and each of our neighborhoods, and I will work with you to make sure these qualities are preserved, no matter how large our city grows.