Bankers Hill, Renter

I have lived in Banker’s Hill since 2011 and opened my law firm here in 2020. I’ve experienced significant change as a renter and business owner--some positive, some challenging. Growth is inevitable, but I’m frustrated the City’s growth plan seems limited to adding density/housing, without focus on improving daily life for residents. These goals are not mutually exclusive. We need more housing, but it can be done in a way that makes Uptown a better place to live and do business. I envision growth that creates an affordable, walkable, and bikeable neighborhood where daily necessities are nearby. With substantial development already coming, we have a real opportunity to improve Uptown in this way. New housing should be paired with nearby necessities like grocery stores, schools, fitness/recreation options, medical services, community/third spaces, restaurants, and FREE green space. Most daily needs should be within a short walk/bike ride. Streets must be safe for pedestrians and cyclists, public transit must become more convenient, parking must be affordable and available, and traffic impacts due to population growth must be addressed. I will support policies that create a truly livable and affordable neighborhood where people can live, work, shop, and relax close to home.

Bankers Hill, Renter

I moved to San Diego a decade ago, but nowhere felt like home until I found Bankers Hill. There's a true sense of community here; fueled by our vibrant population and dynamic local businesses. I believe that strong communities are formed by three key tenets: Authenticity, Diversity, and Sustainability. On any given day you can take a walk down 5th Ave and see each of these elements on display. With so much new development occurring throughout Uptown, I want to help our neighborhood continue to grow while preserving the qualities that make it so special. My professional background brings a unique skillset required to get big things done. I began my career at one of the nation's largest homebuilders, and now work for a construction firm that specializes in the planning and implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects. I have expertise in developing strategic partnerships and aligning multiple stakeholders to achieve a common goal. I'm a proud Aztec, and in the fall will be applying to master's programs focused on community and economic development. On most nights you can find me at Balboa Dog park or Corner Drafthouse. I would be honored to represent Bankers Hill on the Uptown board.

Bankers Hill, Renter

I rent on Front Street. 70% of Bankers Hill rents, but it feels like property groups run the show. I’m running to give tenants a voice. For years, landlords and property managers have used algorithmic price-fixing. Even though this was effectively banned in San Diego via the 'Anti-Competitive Automated Rent Price-Fixing Prohibition Ordinance,' it is up to us, the tenants, to ensure that every landlord, developer, and property management company is in compliance. On the board, I will use my time to ask every applicant seeking a permit, zoning change, or support a simple question about their pricing model to ensure compliance with the May 2025 City Ordinance: "Can the applicant clarify for the record if they use RealPage or similar algorithmic software to set rents?" Let's ensure our neighborhood will protect tenants.

Medical Complex, Renter

My name is Michael Neville. I am a candidate for re-election, and live in the Medical Complex neighborhood (hospital area). My work background is in accounting, home furnishing, and restaurant mgt. I also worked as a personal chef. My volunteer community work has dealt with traffic improvements, pedestrian safety and beautification.

I have contacted city officials to report dangerous traffic conditions. In one case, this resulted in city workers making changes to a confusing traffic signal. I have alerted hospital officials to problems with encampments and fire safety. When I saw a problem with sidewalk trash, I contact the city about a cleanup.

In summary, I am interested in improving my community, and will take the initiative when needed to get that done. As I continue on the planning group, I will review new projects carefully, to advocate design improvements. I support responsible development which is appropriate for the neighborhood. I am committed to representing residents and local businesses, to ensure a thriving community.

Middletown, Renter

I have been an Uptown resident for 12 yrs, residing in Mission Hills, Bankers Hill and now Middletown. I absolutely love the diversity and the energy of the community. I am a current member of the UpCPG Board and I would love the opportunity to continue to serve my community.

I am in support of our community’s growth, and recognize the need for housing. I am also aware that each community in Uptown has different needs. It is imperative that the needs of the current and future residents as well as the businesses of the area where change is being considered are taken into consideration.

We should aim to enhance our community’s beauty and prosperity while preserving its charm and historic buildings. We must plan for adequate infrastructure, such as parking. I feel very strongly that zoning regulations must be followed instead of circumvented, and the input of community members is taken seriously.

As a re-elected member of the planning group, I will continue to be committed to listening to the people of the community and carrying forward our message to others.

Mission Hills, Renter

A lifelong San Diegan, I’ve lived in Mission Hills since 2023, though my roots to the area stretch long before that (my great-great-grandfather and his family were among those buried at what is now Pioneer Park). In that time, I’ve come to know the neighborhood, its people, and its vibrant history and culture. Over my time here, I have seen the City both undertake efforts that have both improve our infrastructure and accidentally weakened it, and am well aware of the impacts that bad planning and good have on communities. As a former housing staff attorney for San Diego Legal Aid in their Mission Hills/Old Town office, I am also well aware of our neighbors’ most pressing needs and the policies that work to solve them. As a now-civil rights attorney, my every day focuses on fighting government abuse, whether from local, state, or federal entities. Local boards, including planning groups, touch residents’ lives in an intimate and meaningful way, and I will treat a position on one with the gravity and respect it deserves.

Mission Hills, Renter

My name is Andreas Mantius, and I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing dialogue and decision-making around responsible development in our city’s historic neighborhoods. As someone who deeply values the character, charm, and sense of place that these communities bring, I believe in honoring their legacy while guiding thoughtful progress.

University Heights, Renter

Hello University Heights, I am a passionate advocate for University Heights. I believe in smart planned growth, preservation of our historic character, participation in community activities, and equality for all. As a board member I will work to ensure the community has a say in what happens to our future growth of University Heights so that developers and outside business associations don’t dictate the future of our neighborhood. As a father of 3 young boys who live and go to school in the neighborhood, I see it as my duty to them to ensure they can enjoy this community when they are grown. I will continue my work on the board to support smart community planning for the betterment of all my neighbors.

Non-Profit Seat
Save Our Heritage Organization

My name is Jeff Walker and while not technically a native San Diegan, I moved to this beautiful city at the age of ten and thus like to think of myself as such. I attended SDSU and California Western School of Law where I then focused my legal career on land use, contract, and real estate law. In 2020 I founded Agents of Architecture, a boutique real estate brokerage. Agents of Architecture was born out of a passion for San Diego's architectural diversity and history. This passion along with being a SOHO board member, has allowed me to advocate for both historic preservation and the maintenance of community character. Through my company I have sponsored events for nonprofit groups, including the Mission Hills Garden Club, La Jolla Historical Society and the Mingei Museum. If elected, I would use my influence to create awareness and appreciation for the rich history of our architectural offerings and communities. I would work collaboratively to support traffic improvements and adequate parking solutions and would support responsible development. I wish to represent residents, businesses and nonprofit groups -- all the constituents who strive to maintain our San Diego culture, while adding to its growth and evolution.

Business Seat
Raymond’s Boutique Salon, Bankers Hill

I represented the Bankers Hill Business Group for 5 years and the Bankers Hill Neighborhood Parking Committee for 8 years! Attended Every meeting along with the Community Group meetings. The Chair and Secretary on the Executive Board of Parking. I have gotten done plants, trees, cobblestone & garbage receptacles for the Bankers Hill Neighborhood when Modality Lanes were being conceptualized. Advocated for Cameras (were installed in Hillcrest in 4 days) still working on needed ones in Bankers Hill! Had lights repaired near the Old Mission Hills Library! Recently 4 hour meters on cross streets (4 years in the making), lighting repairs on the First Street Bridge (Get It Done, 1 1/2 years) Graffiti abatement on 5th & Fir. Soon Bankers Hill overhead Sign (8 years in the making) and Wayfinding signage which has already been designed and approved through City budgets! Roundabout? Recently been seen on ABC news for advocacy of removal of Balboa Park meters (hopefully reversal of all the madness)! I look forward to completing all the complements to all of the Neighborhoods (Including the Pride Promenade which we allocated 6 million towards)! Let's make our Beautiful City of San Diego Shine!

Business Seat
Modern Trends Furniture, Hillcrest

I’m David Lugo, a lifelong San Diegan and a Bankers Hill resident. I’m excited to get more involved in Uptown planning because I believe we can do a lot of good here when residents and local businesses work together.

I’m a people person and a strong listener. I studied pre-law as an undergrad and completed UC San Diego postgraduate studies focused on Latin America, which gave me a strong lens for understanding diverse communities and how policy decisions show up in everyday life.

I currently help underrepresented and uninsured communities through my work with the nonprofit Family Health Centers of San Diego. I’ve also worked in both business and public service, including public relations/media, healthcare (public and private), environmental quality, and technology. I’m known for staying calm, organizing complexity, and turning messy situations into clear next steps, while making sure people have a real voice.

If elected, I’ll advocate for responsible growth that supports housing choices, walkability, street safety, and adequate parking, with a process that’s transparent, collaborative, and practical for residents and local businesses.