Share about your life journey and how you found yourself living and working in the City Heights community. I was born and raised in Colombia and immigrated to the United States in 1981 as a teenager, settling in Boston, Massachusetts. Like many immigrant families, we navigated a new culture, systems, and opportunities. That experience shaped […]
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Sonya Vargas Lima’s path from Hoover High School to a career in environmental science highlights the impact of mentorship and opportunity. A Cardinals Interact alum and first-generation college graduate, she built her career through internships, community programs, and hands-on fieldwork. Now a Senior Biologist, Vargas Lima reflects on how Cardinals Interact helped shape her confidence, career direction, and commitment to supporting future generations.
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Rene Uribe’s connection to City Heights runs deep. Raised in the neighborhood and shaped by local schools and youth programs, Uribe has chosen to give back to the community that helped guide his path. Now serving as Sous Chef at Mama’s Kitchen, he supports City Heights and San Diego families through nutritional care, volunteer service, and community advocacy. In this interview, Uribe reflects on growing up in City Heights, his journey into leadership, and the values that continue to drive his commitment to serving others.
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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.
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San Diego’s largest foundations – Prebys Foundation, Price Philanthropies and San Diego Foundation – together with the Price family, today announced they have formed “United for San Diego” and increased their annual giving by $70 million. The funders are coordinating their efforts to make the biggest impact, helping safeguard access to food, housing and healthcare, as historic funding cuts take effect.
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The City Heights Swim Center is diving into a new chapter of community wellness, thanks to a $335,200 grant from Price Philanthropies Foundation. Approved by the San Diego City Council, the funding expands free summer access to seven days a week and adds lifeguards, fitness classes, and youth programs. With a focus on equity and safety, the initiative aims to serve thousands of local residents, especially youth, through increased swim lessons, recreational opportunities, and critical drowning prevention resources.
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The USC Sol Price School of Public Policy has launched the Price Scholars for Community Enrichment, a new scholarship program covering up to 100% of tuition for graduate students dedicated to advancing underserved Southern California communities. Backed by a 2011 endowment donation from Price Philanthropies, the initiative also includes a paid internship beginning in 2026. By blending education with real-world experience, the program supports students on their path to meaningful careers that reflect Sol Price’s enduring legacy of social impact and community betterment.
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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.
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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.
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Mauro Soria’s journey from growing up in City Heights to supporting youth in his own community comes full circle through education and restorative justice. A Cardinals Interact alum and Hoover High School graduate, Soria was inspired by his experiences in the program to pursue a career working with young people. Now living and working in City Heights, he serves as a restorative justice practitioner at Monroe Clark Middle School, where he focuses on mentorship, conflict resolution, and helping students feel seen and supported.
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