1. Name of organization:

San Diego Council District 8

2. Mission statement (copy/paste from their site):

The Tijuana River Valley is not just a District 8 resource; it has been recognized as being "wetlands of international importance" with economic, cultural, scientific, and recreational value by the Ramsar Convention. I have made the area a priority during my tenure as a District 8 representative because I feel strongly that we need to be responsible stewards of this environmental treasure.

Last winter, rains caused storm channels in the valley to overflow. Polluted water flooded the area. Three horses died, 21 property owners and ranch hands needed to be rescued, property was damaged, and there was significant environmental damage to an area that is essential to the survival of more than 370 species of migratory and native birds, including six endangered species.

To prevent a recurrence of that disaster, I worked with city, county, state, and federal officials to declare a state of emergency and secure expedited permits that have allowed us to dredge pilot and other flood control channels before the rains begin this year. This effort, helpful for the short term, is part of a larger multi-agency, bi-national movement to comprehensively, and permanently, address pollution and solid waste in the valley. I will keep you informed of our progress.

3a:

Council President Ben Hueso spoke directly to District 8 constituents with a State of the District event held at San Ysidro’s Casa Familiar Civic & Recreation Center located at 212 East Park Avenue. Because District 8 is not geographically contiguous, Hueso hosted a similar community meeting last week at Perkins Elementary School, 1770 Main Street, to address accomplishments affecting residents living in the northern part of his district.

3b:

An important interaction with a local city or county government agency:

Council President Ben Hueso was joined by City Council leaders, Mayor Jerry Sanders, San Diego residents and members of the San Diego Organizing Project, an active, faith-based community organization, to protest the State of California’s announced intention to take City of San Diego funds to help close their $24 billion budget deficit.

“At Council this afternoon, we will formally object to the State’s intentions by considering a resolution opposing the state’s proposal to seize additional city tax funds,” said Hueso. We will also take a stand against enacting any new unfunded mandates.”

Overall, this does not count as an organization.