Heroes

Mark Kassab’s journey from humble beginnings to community leadership reflects a lifetime of hard work, generosity, and dedication. After arriving in San Diego from Iraq in 1977 with just $5, Kassab became a cornerstone of the City Heights community through his family-owned grocery stores. For more than four decades, he has championed access to food, education, and youth opportunities, from donating thousands of books to supporting local sports teams and neighborhood events. In this feature, Kassab shares reflections on his lifelong commitment to giving back, the partnerships that have shaped his work, and the pride he takes in helping City Heights families thrive.

Ivan Martinez has dedicated his career to supporting the students and families of City Heights through a variety of roles with the San Diego Unified School District. From his early days with the SDUSD School Police Department to his current position as plant operations supervisor at Hoover High School, Martinez has worked tirelessly to ensure school campuses are safe, clean, and welcoming. In this interview, he shares reflections on his career journey, the lasting relationships he’s built, and the importance of community investment.

City Heights Hero Uyen Tran has led the City Heights/Weingart Branch Library since 2021, bringing two decades of experience in public libraries. As a Vietnamese American, she feels deeply connected to the community and is passionate about providing programs that empower residents of all ages.

City Heights Hero Roosevelt Johnson has spent over 30 years supporting students at Wilson Middle School. From his start as a teacher’s assistant to his current role as an Educational Specialist, Johnson’s steadfast dedication to education and student success has made him a cherished figure in the community.

City Heights Hero Timothy Shaw has dedicated over two decades to supporting Crawford High School students in the community. From his early teaching days to his current role as a counselor, Shaw’s unwavering commitment to education and student success has made him a beloved figure in the neighborhood.

City Heights Hero Pam Pham-Barron shares her passion for teaching the whole student and reflects on her experiences at Rosa Parks Elementary over the years.

City Heights Hero Falis Budul shares her journey of service, rooted in her personal experiences as a Somali immigrant arriving in City Heights. Since then, she has leveraged her knowledge of resources in various positions to assist African immigrants in navigating their new lives in San Diego.

City Heights Hero Rosa Olascoaga (second to left) shares her journey of service and advocacy, rooted in her upbringing in the community. Born and raised in City Heights, she has dedicated years to various roles, from advocating for a skatepark to her current position as Senior Infrastructure and Community Development Policy Advisor.

Sahra Abdi (top, center above) has been working tirelessly since arriving from Somalia in the late 1990’s to support East African youth and families. She helped found UWEAST in 2008 to uplift and support youth, women, and families by providing safe space to address areas of education, social services, mental health, entrepreneurship and more.

Su Nugyen immigrated from Vietnam to the City Heights neighborhood in San Diego in 1993. Over the last 30 years, he has greatly contributed to the community in lasting and impactful ways.