Candidates for city of San Diego mayor took the stage at Mission Bay Montessori Academy in University City on Oct. 6 at a forum organized by local Indivisible groups. The four candidates participating were Barbara Bry, Todd Gloria, Beatrice Marion, and Tasha Williamson who talked to over 150 guests in attendance. Questions covered issues such as: affordable and low-income housing, local economy, transportation, climate action, homelessness, criminal justice reform, immigration, the People’s Ordinance, racial equity across city districts, and campaign finance reform. While the candidates were mostly cordial toward each other, there were times when insinuations were made about campaign illegalities by certain unnamed candidates.

The University City Community Association, along with the League of Women’s Voters, is planning an additional Mayor’s Candidate Debate following the primary election on March 3, 2020. The UC local Indivisible group Change Begins with Me, will host their next election forum for County Board of Supervisors District 3 candidates on Sunday, Nov. 3, at 4 p.m. RSVP at [email protected]. 

Curie Craft Fair returns Nov. 2

The 41st annual Curie Craft Fair returns this year on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Curie Elementary, 4080 Governor Drive. Artisans will be selling their quality handcrafted wares including holiday gifts, ceramics, jewelry, clothing, bath goods, stationary, candles, stocking stuffers, and more. All items for sale are handmade by local artisans, no commercial resale items are allowed, creating a unique and fun shopping experience. There will also be plenty of exciting events for the whole family: bake sale, silent auction baskets, lunch grill, used book tent, and more. New this year is a bounce house for the kids, along with a magic show and other entertainment. Entry to the fair is free and the fair benefits the Curie Elementary School PTA. For questions, email [email protected], or visit curiepta.org/craft-fair.

Music for winds and strings 

On Sunday, Oct. 20, at 7 p.m., there will be a performance of Beethoven’s Septet, Opus 20, written for an ensemble of four string players and three wind players, in the University City United Church sanctuary. Proceeds from a free-will offering at this program will benefit University City United Church. This program will feature the Beethoven Septet, written early in Beethoven’s career and one of his most successful early compositions. The piece is a 45-minute-long serenade, written for an evening’s entertainment; however, it calls for an unusual ensemble of clarinet, horn, bassoon, violin, viola, cello, and bass. UCUC is located at 2877 Governor Drive (at Stresemann). Call 858-453-3444 or visit UCUC.org para más información.

Council member Ward to discuss homelessness

The Social Concerns Committee of University City United Church (UCUC) continues a series to provide information about the current status of homelessness in San Diego and to consider additional ways the community might become involved. On Sunday, Oct. 20, UCUC will host a presentation and discussion led by the Council member Chris Ward, chair of the San Diego County Regional Task Force on the Homeless. Starting at 11:45 a.m. (immediately after church), there will be lunch and remarks from Council member Ward. He will discuss current city and county efforts to address homelessness and review available resources. The session will conclude with a group discussion of reactions of the audience and an exploration of possible additional efforts to address homelessness in the immediate neighborhood and city. UCUC is located at 2877 Governor Drive (at Stresemann). Call 858-453-3444 or visit UCUC.org for more information. The public is welcome and free of charge; donations welcome. 

University City Community Association to hold elections

The University City Community Association (UCCA) will be electing 2020 officers at the Nov. 13 monthly meeting at the UC Library, 4155 Governor Drive. Candidates for president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer will be published in the November newsletter. In order to run for office, candidates must be a member in good standing and have attended at least two UCCA meetings during this calendar year. If you are interested in running for office, or have any questions, contact [email protected].