Member Bios

ASHLEY LAURENCE Resident Sherman Heights | Community Advocate

Ashley Laurence is a resident and property owner in Sherman Heights. She is new to the community and enthusiastic to learn more about the rich history of Sherman Heights and working diligently to help preserve and protect this community. Ashley has a doctorate of pharmacy and currently practices with a locally owned pharmacy in Banker's Hill specializing in compounding pharmacy. She and her husband have a passion for theater, comedy, and their three cats.

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CARIDAD SANCHEZ Resident of Southcrest | Parent of Our Lady's School student in Logan Heights | Community Advocate

Caridad is the San Diego and Imperial Counties regional Director for United States Senator Barbara Boxer. Her interest in public affairs developed from her experiences growing up in San Diego's toughest inner-city neighborhoods. She actively participated in political campaigns and organized voter registration drives. Through these life experiences, Caridad developed an understanding of and deep commitment to improving her community and country.

Born in San Diego, Caridad grew up in the neighborhoods Logan and Sherman Heights. She graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in History and Political Science. Sanchez previously worked as a senior community representative in the office of United States Congresswoman Susan Davis in San Diego. She previously chaired the San Diego Cesar E. Chavez Commemoration Committee and is active with the San Diego Leadership Alliance.

Longtime residents of San Diego, Caridad and her husband Nicolaz Portillo remain active in local politics and civic organizations. They live in Southcrest, with their sons Nicolaz, Jr. (6) and Cruz (1) and dog Ira. Caridad's oldest son attends Our Lady's School in Logan Heights.

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CONNIE ZUÑIGA Property owner Logan Heights | Community Advocate

Connie was born and raised on Commercial St. in Logan Heights. She is a graduate of Our Lady of Angels (now Our Lady’s), Cathedral Girls High School and City College (AA in Social Science). She retired in 1992 from General Dynamics-Space Systems Division after 35 years and has spent the resultant years doing community work.

In the late 1980’s the neighborhood was in decline due to drugs, the influx of homeless and blight. After four years of setbacks, Connie and two neighborhood retired women property owners closed the problematic Welfare Office at 25^th and Imperial and successfully lobbied for a Police Station, which is now Central Division. Connie volunteered for 12 years as a VIP (Volunteer in Policing), staffing a Community Relations Office in Grant Hill.

Connie was a member of the San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP) for eight years. She was appointed to the County Drug and Alcohol Board and served three years. Connie is a founding member of the Logan Heights Historical Society, and fundraiser for the Soap Box Derby which is held annually in Sherman Heights.

Connie advocated for a new neighborhood library and raised $50,000. She is vice-president and fundraiser for the Friends of the Library, Logan Heights Branch. Connie was president of the community’s Maintenance Assessment District (MAD) for eight years and now serves as vice-president. With a MAD-affiliated grant, she has spearheaded the annual Xmas Party for children in Sherman Heights/ Grant Hill/Logan Heights for the past eight years. She is a member of General Dynamics -NASSCO Community Advisory Board.

Connie is a fundraiser for Our Lady’s School and works on special projects for the Barrio Station and Barrio Logan College Institute (BLCI). She sits on the Police Chief’s Latino Advisory Board. Connie is an on-call organist for Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Francis Wedding Chapel in Balboa Park.

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DANIEL ROMAN Resident Sherman Heights | Community Advocate

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DAVID GONZALEZ Resident Sherman Heights (over 40 years) | Community Advocate

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GLO ANDRADE Family resides in Barrio Logan | Community Advocate

Glo Andrade was born in San Diego and her family lives in Barrio Logan. She is committed to helping ensure a better quality of Life for the future generations of our Community. She is a graduate from UC Riverside and is a retired State Analyst. Glo is a member of the Community Advisory Council for the Central Cultural de la Raza, and worked there for several years. “The homeless crisis has affected many, and it will take many to improve their living conditions without placing more burden on surrounding neighborhoods.”

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JAMES JUSTICE Resident & Business Owner in Sherman Heights | Community Advocate

James is a longtime resident and business owner in Sherman Heights. He continues to be a vital part of his community and volunteers Central Commercial District Revitalization Corporation (CCDRC) Board.

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JAMES LAWRENCE Resident of Logan Heights | Julian Avenue San Diego, CA 92113 | Community Advocate

James is a retired English teacher from Sweetwater Union High School District (20 yrs). He holds a Bachelor Degree in English, Master in High School Counseling. James worked in real estate and mortgage lending for approximately 10 years and in commercial banking for 7 years. James is a member of the Democratic Party as a delegate and member of the Central Committee County of San Diego. He is a former member of the Southeast San Diego Planning Group and is a member of the ACLU and Southern Poverty Law Center. He lives in Logan Heights with his wife Martha Zapata, a representative for councilmember David Alvarez's office, 8th District.

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JANMARI HUESO Resident of Barrio Logan | Community Advocate

Janmari was raised in Sherman Heights and is a graduate of Our Lady’s School and the Academy of Our Lady of Peace. She received her BA in Spanish and English Literature from UCSD and is a graduate of Thomas Jefferson Law School. Janmari works in her father’s law firm in Golden Hill, which specializes in Worker’s Compensation and personal injury cases. She and her husband and their two children reside in Barrio Logan. They have been home owners since 2015. Her son attends Perkins Elementary. Janmari is committed to working on quality of life issues in her community.

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LANNON TUROWSKI Resides & Works in Sherman Heights since 2010 | Community Advocate

Lannon his wife and their 2 children (ages 1 & 4) have been residents of Sherman Heights since 2010. He owns 10 rental properties and has renovated and restored nearly 30 properties for himself and neighbors. He actively addresses cleanup efforts, graffiti removal and public safety issues on a constant basis. He continues to invest in the neighborhood, personally and financially.

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LUZ PALOMINO Homeowner in Sherman Heights | Community Organizer

Luz has been an active member of her community, working along side her neighbors on quality of life issues.

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MARCO VERDIN Resident, Homeowner Sherman Heights since 2012 | Community Advocate

Marco is a San Diego native, he has participated in several community cleanups, graffiti removal and community meetings. Marco is an active walker in his community of Sherman Heights and is a member of Compassionate Solutions.

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MELODIE DICK Homeowner & Resident of Logan Heights | Community Advocate

Melodie has lived in San Diego for the past 25 years. She is a scientist, family woman and passionate about her community. Her goal is to work together with other community advocates and neighbors to clean up, represent and enact positive progress for the community.

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PETER SCHROK Resident of Sherman Heights | Community Advocate

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MYRON TAYLOR Resident of Logan Heights | Member Southeastern Planning Group |Community Advocate

Myron grew up in Paradise Hills. He received his degree from San Diego State University. He retired after a long career in the elder care industry. He is a member of the Southeastern San Diego Planning Group. Myron is active in community affairs and is committed to improving his community.

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PAUL SWEENEY Property owner | Community Advocate

Paul has been a businessman in the community for 40 years. During this time Paul has been a strong supporter of community residents and actively involved in community issues.

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PITA VERDIN Resident, Homeowner Sherman Heights since 2000 | Community Advocate

Pita is a former member of the Sherman Heights Community Center (SHCC) Board, Sherman Heights/Grant Hill Revitalization Group, Sherman Heights Neighborhood Cultural Council and the Friends of the Villa Montezuma groups in Sherman Heights.

She participated in the Public Art Commission in the Neighborhood Design Arts Program (NDAP) representing Sherman Heights, the Commercial/Imperial Corridor Master Plan Community Update and in Neighborhood Leadership Programs at Neighborhood Housing.

Pita is a Project Manager/Data Management Specialist at a Software Company for 19 years. She sponsors and updates all Social Media and the Website for Sherman Heights. Pita is a Member of Compassionate Solutions and has been part of many neighborhood cleanup events.

Community is an important part of her life and assuring the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors in Sherman Heights and surrounding communities. She is a strong supporter of the San Diego get it done app and all venues to create a clean and safe environment for her family and friends.

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THOMAS PEREZ Resident of Logan Heights | Community Advocate

ANTHONY TERRELL Resident, Minister Logan Heights | Community Minister

Anthony Terrell was born and raised in San Diego he currently lives in Logan Heights and is a minister at Calvary Baptist Church 719 Cesar Chavez Parkway. He is committed on having a social impact in the neighborhood and I understand the homeless situation as he spent 4 years living that life. His perspective is valuable in understanding the current situation in our communities.

MARSHA LYON Say San Diego Representative