why your vote could save hillcrest (& your rent) 🏙️💸

from voting chaos to community triumph: your guide to uptown's election drama & why it matters more than you think

tl;dr: hillcrest's future is on the line, mi gente! register to vote in the uptown community planning group elections by september 2nd and cast your ballot online between august 27 - september 3. 👀 register, vote online (or in person), and let's keep hillcrest fierce and fabulous! 🌈🗳️

but wait, there's more! scroll to the end for the juicy voting guide that'll make karen's head spin. your email might cut this off like a bouncer at rich's! get the full scoop, trust me, it's worth it! 💁‍♂️🗳️ you can red this better in the substack app, too.

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Photo by Glen Carrie on Unsplash

hey mi gente! 👋🏽

picture this: it's august 20, 2024. the sun's setting over hillcrest, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange that would make even the most jaded of us swoon. but instead of enjoying happy hour at insideOUT or people-watching at number one, 100+ uptown residents are lined up outside the hillcrest unitarian universalist church in medical complex, clutching their proof of residency like it's the last avocado toast in california.

why? because for two hours between 6 and 8 pm, this was a chance to cast an in-person vote for the new uptown community planning group (ucpg). this new group replaced the old uptown planners, a board that was about as diverse as a country club's membership roster. before that, online voting and registration was in effect, with registration and voting opening on august 8th.

spoiler alert: it didn't go well.

the voting system hit a snag faster than a tinder date cancellation. it turns out, the in-person turnout was high and the poor volunteers were outnumbered. to top it off, the voting software caught a double registration and shut down. with the tech support in a different time zone, there was no quick fix.

cue the conspiracy theories, the pearl-clutching, and the rise of what i'm officially dubbing "nimbyAnon"—it's like QAnon, but urban, rich, white, crazy, and exhausting.

🙄 leading the charge? none other than uptown for all (and the leftovers of uptown planners), the self-appointed guardians of the status quo. these folks are so scared of change, they probably think avocado toast is too exotic for hillcrest.

but before we dive into this, let's talk about why you should care and what you can do about it. because trust me, mi amor, this election is about way more than just zoning laws, historical preservation, and building heights. this election is about who gets to call hillcrest home.

the tea on why your vote matters more than brunch plans

first things first: the election has been rescheduled, and you have another chance to make your voice heard. mark these dates in your calendar (yes, even if it conflicts with that circuit party):

• online voting: august 27 - september 3

• in-person voting: august 30, 4:00-8:00 PM at first unitarian universalist church (4190 front st) - find the agenda here.

• special board meeting: september 3, 6:00 PM at hillcrest business association offices (1601 university ave) - find the agenda here.

now, why should you care?

1. affordable housing is not an oxymoron: the average rent for an apartment in hillcrest is now $2,496. if we don't act now, the only people left in hillcrest will be trust fund babies and tech bros.

2. diversity is our superpower: hillcrest has always been a haven for the lgbtq+ community, but nimbyAnon would turn it into a gated community for the privileged few. your vote can help keep hillcrest queer, colorful, and open to all.

3. small businesses need you: from crest cafe to awol, our local businesses are what give hillcrest its flavor. but they can't survive if all their staff and customers are priced out of the neighborhood.

4. climate change is real, y'all: dense, walkable neighborhoods like hillcrest are key to reducing our carbon footprint. but nimbyAnon would rather see more sprawl and more cars than allow for smart growth in our community.

5. because nimbys always vote: trust me, the "get off my manicured lawn" crowd will be out in force. if we don't show up, they win by default.

the true cost of nimbyism: dreams deferred, communities divided

here's how to make sure your vote counts:

1. if you're voting online, check your spam folder for your ballot.

2. if you're voting in person, bring documentation proving residency. don't give nimbyAnon any ammo to cry "voter fraud!"

3. spread the word! share this article, drag your friends to vote (literally, if necessary—i won't judge), and make some noise on social media.

if you need help figuring out who to vote, keep reading - there’s a guide at the end for you!

nimbyAnon's greatest hits: debunked

now, let's tackle some of the wild claims flying around faster than cars on university ave. grab your popcorn, because some of these are real doozies.

1. "the election was rigged/corrupt!"

oh honey, if i had a dollar for every time someone cried election fraud without evidence, i could afford to buy a whole block in hillcrest. here are the facts:

• the uptown community planning group has been transparent about the voting process from day one, holding public meetings and asking for volunteers to help run the election.

• uptown community planning group is separate from vibrant uptown. people that are also in the vibrant uptown group can run in the election, just like anyone else can. (more on that later)

  • if this is a conflict of interest, then i’d ask the folks that used to be in the uptown planners board that are running currently to drop the act!

• the technical issues during the first voting attempt were frustrating, yes, but they're being addressed for the rescheduled election. this does not mean that it was rigged or corrupt or dirty.

but facts don't matter to nimbyAnon, do they? they're too busy polishing their tinfoil hats and practicing their "get off my lawn" scowls.

2. "it's all a pro-development conspiracy!"

newsflash: we live in a city. cities grow. it's kind of their thing. the choice isn't between development and no development. it's between smart, inclusive growth and becoming a fossilized version of hillcrest that only exists in boomer nostalgia.

let's look at some numbers:

• san diego's population is projected to increase by 3.5% from 2025 to 2030, according to aterio. this is after it lost population, in part due to high rents!

• we need to build approximately 171,000 new housing units by 2029 to meet demand.

• hillcrest’s rents have increased by 33.26% over the last 5 years alone.

the math ain't mathing, folks. we need to build, and we need to build smart.

3. "we need paper ballots like the good old days!"

ah yes, the good old days. when voting was restricted to property owners and women couldn't open bank accounts. such a utopia. 🙄

digital voting has its challenges, sure. but it's also:

• more accessible for people with disabilities

• provides people wary of the current covid wave an option

• eco-friendly (save the trees, people!)

• easier to audit and verify

nimbyAnon just can't handle change—in voting methods or in their precious neighborhood.

4. "vibrant uptown and hba are biased for endorsing candidates!"

oh, the irony is thicker than the crowd at urban mo's on drag night. let's break this down:

• newsflash: everyone has the right to endorse candidates. vibrant uptown, hba, and yes, even the nimbyAnon darlings at uptown for all.

  • it's called democracy, sweetie. look it up.

• if nimbyAnon is clutching their pearls over endorsements, maybe they should check their own pockets. uptown for all did the exact same thing.

• here's a wild idea: maybe, just maybe, people can think for themselves and don't need nimbyAnon to protect them from - gasp! - information.

5. "the old uptown planners was more democratic!"

honey, let's not confuse "democratic" with "dominated by the same angry homeowners for decades." here's the tea:

• uptown planners had all the diversity of a country club brunch. the new ucpg? it's way more diverse, more representative, and designates seats for owners, renters, businesses, and non-profits.

• the old system let nimbyAnon voters hog the mic. now, every part of uptown gets a say and they don’t get run over by the nimbyAnon voters of other, denser neighborhoods.

• the new structure? it's more balanced than a yoga instructor's chakras:

  • each neighborhood gets 2 seats (1 owner, 1 renter)

  • 5 at-large business seats

  • 1 non-profit seat

  • 2 non-voting large employer seats

it's almost like they want actual representation. shocking, i know.

6. "this is just like other san diego scandals!"

oh honey, comparing a software glitch to actual scandals is like saying a paper cut is the same as major surgery. let's get real:

• 101 ash street? that was about the city’s sketchy real estate deals under mayor faulconer… downtown.

• midway rising? development drama… again, not in uptown.

• upcg elections? literally just a computer hiccup that is 100% unrelated.

if nimbyAnon can't tell the difference, maybe they should stick to complaining about noise from the pride parade.

7. "the new system isn't fair!"

translation: "waaah, we can't dominate the board anymore!" let's break it down:

• the old uptown planners? about as diverse as a wonder bread factory.

• the new ucpg? it's more balanced, diverse, and representative.

• nimbyAnon is just mad they have to play fair now. sorry not sorry, karen.

look, change is scary. i get it. but you know what's scarier? a hillcrest stuck in the past because a few loud voices couldn't handle progress.

the uptown community planning group isn't perfect. it’s a new organization. but it's a step towards a hillcrest that looks like, you know, actual hillcrest. diverse, vibrant, and ready for the future.

so next time nimbyAnon tries to sell you their conspiracy theories, remember: their idea of "fair" does not include you. their idea of fair means our queer spaces remain unprotected, our housing expensive, and uptown inaccessible. fuck that!

let's build a hillcrest for everyone, not just for those who can afford million-dollar craftsmans.

the real tea: what's actually at stake

think about it! there’s is much at stake here - we can’t let the same people that cooked this beautiful housing crisis for us back in. behind all the drama and pearl-clutching,

here's what's really going on:

1. diversity vs. exclusivity: uptown planners has long been dominated by a certain demographic (hint: it's whiter than a taylor swift concert). vibrant uptown wanted to change that. guess who's scared of new voices at the table?

   1. according to latest u.s. census bureau data:

      • hillcrest is 66% white, compared to 42% for san diego as a whole

      • the median age in hillcrest is 42, higher than the city’s 35

      • homeownership rate in hillcrest is 36%, lower than the city average of 55.3%

2. affordability vs. "neighborhood character": we need affordable housing. period. but nimbyAnon would rather preserve their property values than make room for working-class folks, young families, or gasp renters.

3. progress vs. paralysis: plan hillcrest is about creating a neighborhood that works for everyone. it includes provisions for:

   1. increased housing density along transit corridors

   2. improved bike and pedestrian infrastructure

   3. preserving historic buildings while allowing for smart growth

4. community vs. isolation: hillcrest has always been about community. from the pride parade to farmers markets to drag brunches at gossip grill, we thrive on connection. but nimbyAnon's vision would turn us into a neighborhood of isolated enclaves, where the only interaction is arguing over hedge heights at hoa meetings.

5. sustainability vs. sprawl: climate change is real, y'all. dense, walkable neighborhoods like hillcrest are key to reducing our carbon footprint. but nimbyAnon would rather see more sprawl, more cars, and more environmental destruction than allow for smart growth in our community.

how nimbyAnon thinks

fun fact: hillcrest was once san diego's "boonies." in the early 1900s, it was marketed as a quiet suburban retreat from downtown's hustle. imagine if those early residents had nimby'ed their way into preserving that status quo. no vibrant urban village, no thriving lgbtq+ community, no iconic hillcrest sign. just tumbleweeds and perhaps a confused cow or two.

this isn't just a quaint historical anecdote—it's a stark reminder of how nimbyAnon's mindset threatens to strangle our neighborhood's future. their "logic" is a toxic cocktail of fear, privilege, and short-sightedness. let's break it down:

• the perfect election fallacy: they demand a flawless voting system and then move the goal posts around and concoct conspiracy theories. we can improve systems iteratively without grinding everything to a halt and getting personal. their approach? it's like refusing to drive until we eliminate all traffic accidents.

• the myth of the unchanging neighborhood: newsflash: hillcrest has always been in flux. from farmland to streetcar suburb to lgbtq+ haven, change is our lifeblood. resisting it doesn't preserve character; it fossilizes it. nimbyAnon's not protecting hillcrest; they're embalming it.

• the "i got mine" mentality: nimbyAnon pulls up the ladder after climbing it. they've benefited from urban growth and development, but now want to slam the door shut. it's not preservation; it's pure hypocrisy. they're not saving the neighborhood; they're hoarding it.

• the "property values uber alles" mindset: yes, your home is an investment. but at what cost to the community? sacrificing diversity, vibrancy, and the very soul of hillcrest for a few more digits on zillow is short-sighted and ultimately self-defeating. a homogeneous, stagnant neighborhood isn't desirable—or valuable—in the long run.

• the "traffic apocalypse" fear: every development proposal is met with cries about gridlock or lack of parking. but here's the kicker: smart, dense development near jobs and transit actually reduces traffic. it's not rocket science—it's basic urban planning. their fear of traffic is actually creating more of it.

nimbyAnon's limiting beliefs and self-fulfilling prophecies of doom aren't just annoying—they're existential threats to hillcrest's future.

their "logic" isn't preserving our neighborhood; it's suffocating it. it's time we called out this backwards thinking for what it is: a recipe for decline masquerading as conservation.

moving forward: step up for uptown

the time for passive observation is over, mi gente. hillcrest stands at a crossroads, and our actions today will echo. we're not just voting for board members; we're voting for the soul of our community. will we embrace a future of inclusivity, affordability, and vibrancy, or will we let nimbyAnon drag us back to a past that never truly existed?

your voice, your vote, your involvement - these are the tools we wield in this battle for hillcrest's future.

as james baldwin once said, "not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced."

let's face this challenge head-on, with courage, conviction, and an unwavering commitment to progress. hillcrest needs you now more than ever:

1. vote like your rent depends on it (because it does): your voice matters. set reminders, tie rainbow flags to your fingers, hire a town crier if you must - just vote. remember, every time you skip an election, a nimby gets their wings.

2. join the cool kids' clubs: these aren't your grandma's social circles (unless your grandma is a progressive badass, in which case, go grandma!). check out:

   • kiwanis club of hillcrest all-inclusive: where community service meets fabulousness. catch them on the second and fourth thursdays of the month at 6:30pm at uptown tavern.

   • uptown community planning group (ucpg): urban planning's answer to the avengers. they're fighting for affordable housing faster than thanos can snap. their next meeting is at 6pm on tuesday september 3, at the hillcrest business association offices.

   • vibrant uptown: the cool kids making hillcrest inclusive af. they're educating voters quicker than you can say "yimby." check their site for the next tea party.

3. become an urban planning nerd: knowledge is power, and in this case, it's also sexy. educate yourself and spread the good word. check out san diego housing federation, circulate san diego, and yimby democrats of san diego county. warning: may cause sudden outbursts about zoning laws at parties.

4. shop local like it's your job: support the businesses that make hillcrest, well, hillcrest. personal faves: crest cafe for hangover cures and bread & cie for carb therapy.

5. embrace change like a butterfly: new ideas, new neighbors, new visions - bring it on. stagnation is for ponds, not fabulous urban neighborhoods.

6. make community meetings the new happy hour: yeah, they can be boring, long, annoying, and dry. i’ve sat in enough of them! but decisions get made here, honey. bring a friend, make it a game or something (responsibly, of course). who said civic engagement can't be lit?

7. weaponize your social media for good: share the tea on positive developments, hype local businesses, and call out nimby nonsense. make your instagram feed work hard for hillcrest and show your love for it!

on how to get involved in hillcrest

remember, the ucpg and vibrant uptown are now separate entities. so nimbyAnon can take their conspiracy theories and stick 'em where the sun don't shine (which in hillcrest is probably only in their own closed minds).

let's turn hillcrest into the vibrant, inclusive, fabulous neighborhood we know she can be. after all, if we can survive traffic on university ave, we can do anything. now get out there and make hillcrest proud!

your fabulous voting cheat sheet: edgard's hot takes on the ballot

okay, so let's get down to brass tacks. you're fired up, you registered to vote, you're ready, but you're thinking, "edgard, who the hell should i vote for?" don't worry, papi chulo (me) has got you covered.

i've put together a comprehensive guide that breaks down my endorsements. it's got all the tea, the receipts, and my unfiltered thoughts on who's serving "yimby realness" and who's just serving... well, let's just say "last season's nimby couture."

here's where you can find my full voting guide and endorsements:

beyond the ballot: uptown's urban revolution 🗳️🌈🏙️

why should you trust my picks? well, besides my impeccable taste in drag queens and breakfast burritos:

1. i've done the homework so you don't have to. i've read through more urban planning documents than i care to admit. my eyes are tired, but my brain is ready.

2. i've got skin in the game. like you, i actually live here and want to see uptown thrive.

3. i'm not afraid to call out bs, even if it comes from "my side." this isn't about politics, it's about creating a hillcrest we all want to live in.

remember, these are my endorsements, not a command from on high. read through my reasoning, check out the candidates yourself, and make your own informed decision. that's what democracy is all about, baby.

and if you disagree with my picks? fantastic! let's grab a coffee at lestat's and debate it out. that's how we build a stronger community.

now go forth and vote like the fabulous, informed citizen you are. hillcrest is counting on you!

the last word (for now)

look, i get it. change is scary. but you know what's scarier? a hillcrest that becomes a museum piece for the wealthy few while the rest of us are priced out.

nimbyAnon wants to keep hillcrest trapped in amber, like some kind of urban jurassic park where the only dinosaurs are their outdated ideas.

imagine a hillcrest where:

• young lgbtq+ folks can actually afford to live in the gayborhood

• local businesses thrive because their workers can afford to live nearby

• our streets are filled with people, not just cars

• we have housing options for all stages of life, from starter apartments to family homes to senior living

• our community meetings are vibrant discussions about the future, not just complaints about the present

this isn't just a pipe dream. it's possible. but only if we show up, speak out, and vote.

we have a chance to shape the future of our neighborhood. don't let nimbyAnon's fear-mongering and outdated ideas win the day. vote, get involved, and let's create a hillcrest that's as vibrant, diverse, and fabulous as the people who call it home.

hasta la próxima, mis amores! 💖

edgard✊🏽🌈

p.s. if you see any nimbyAnon believers in the wild, remember: they're more scared of you than you are of them. approach with caution and armed with facts. and maybe a rainbow flag for good measure. 🏳️‍🌈

p.p.s. seriously though, set a reminder to register to vote. do it now. i'll wait. your future fabulous hillcrest self will thank you.