During the spring of 2023, students from the School of Journalism and Media Studies at San Diego State University, in partnership with The Sage Project, embarked in a project to report about environmental issues in National City, CA, a diverse community in Southern San Diego. The students reporting work and deep community listening, took them through different paths that revealed historical fights and modern struggles, while learning about the people and families' aspirations for their community.
El Toyon Park: The backyard for those who don’t have one
By Morgan Prickett
El Toyon Park has been a staple of National City since it was dedicated in 1957. Ever since, many people make no waste of the vast array of recreational land provided at the park. But, Prickett reports, residents await expectantly promised improvements to their loved "backyard" that will take time to arrive .
National City: Community members excited for re-opening of community pool and recreation center
By Alex Sheron
With the upcoming summer reopening of newly-renovated Las Palmas community pool and the new Camacho Recreation Center having opened in January, Sheron reports that National City residents have already seen increased access to new and improved government-provided facilities, services and activities so far in 2023 and will continue to do so. Community feedback regarding the city’s upgrades has been positive, the outcome city officials were hoping for.
National City Swap Meet
By Dyson Francis
Francis interviewed owners of the swap meet, vendors and customers to learn about the roles this market plays in the National City community's life:
"Walking the alleys of the National City Swap Meet, visitors find many second-hand treasures from vendors. Mexican snacks, fabrics, clothing, and even household appliances fill tables and tents. Children run around, playing with their friends and family members. Customers try to negotiate for the best bargains. Cool, refreshing fruit waits at the fruteria on a hot summer day...
SDSU's Sage Project Prioritizes Community-Led Urban Planning
By Athena Jreij
Jreij takes a deep dive into Sage's methods and strategies to collaborate with local governments to prioritize community-led urban planning. According to her reporting, local authorities and activists agree that Sage's third-party role is essential to city growth, as local governments aren’t equipped to bring the same multifaceted solutions to sustainability issues compared to universities.
The Filipino Community of National City
By Armand Altura
National City, located in the South Bay Region of San Diego, holds the distinction of having a very large Filipino community that has slowly built throughout its history. Altura, a Filipino himself, explores the community's contributions and struggles since the 1900s until the election of councilmember Ditas Yamane, the first Filipina to be elected under the new district system.
What does the first cannabis lounge in San Diego County mean for National City?
By Nicholas "Neikon" Ebadat
With exclusive access to visual renderings of the first cannabis lounge of San Diego County, Sessions by the Bay, Edabat reviews the history of project (approved in late 2022), interviews stakeholders and explores how the damaged history and reputation of cannabis is sparking concern before its arrival.
This project was produced with the support of the Bilingual Program at the School of Journalism and Media Studies at San Diego State University in partnership with The Project Sage.
Credits:
Photos by Nicole Chiecchi, Morgan Prickett, Caitlynn Keenan, Alex Sheron