The Game is On!

Applications for Participatory Budget funding are closed and the voting ends Sunday, June 22nd!

by Doug Comstock

• • • • • • • • • • June 26, 2025 • • • • • • • • • •

Tvoters of District 7 have a unique opportunity to choose eight proposals from among the ten proposals approved by the Community Review Committee. The committee scored the 41 submitted proposals based on their appropriateness, feasibility, and benefits for the D7 community. Voting began on June 6th — you have until June 22nd to cast your vote if you live in District 7 and you are over 16 years old.

What is Participatory Budgeting?

For those who haven't been paying attention, it's designed to engage members of the community who can propose improvements to their neighborhoods. Yes, you can spend your own tax money. It will be paid for by the City.

In District 7, the idea of participatory budgeting emerged as a powerful way to engage the community in decision-making and enhance the quality of life for its residents. It all began when former Supervisor Norman Yee recognized that many voices went unheard in traditional budgeting processes, where decisions were often made without community input. Yee wanted to create a system that empowered residents to have a direct say in how public funds were allocated.

Once again it’s time to vote for your favorite. Vote here.

Here’s the list of approved projects - remember vote for eight.

2025 Participatory Budgeting Proposals

• • • • • • •  Proposal 1 • • • • • • •  

Paint a mural about Wah Mei School’s history

1. Area: Inner Sunset
2. We want to paint a mural on 17th Avenue near Irving Street that celebrates the history of Wah Mei School. It would show the many cultures and stories that helped shape this community.

• • • • • • •  Proposal 2 • • • • • • •  

Host art pop-up events on Ocean Avenue

1. Area: Ocean Avenue
2. We want to host a series of art pop-up events on Ocean Avenue, building on one we held in June 2024. These events would bring people together through art and culture at local businesses.

• • • • • • •  Proposal 3 • • • • • • •  

Add to the Clarendon School Mural

1. Area: Forest Knolls
2. We want to expand the mural on the Clarendon Elementary School pedestrian bridge inspired by its students. The mural was funded from last year’s participatory budget and we want to continue that work.

• • • • • • •  Proposal 4 • • • • • • •  

Paint curbs and make crossings safer in Sunnyside

1. Area: Sunnyside
2. We want to paint curbs and add posts or planters at two intersections in Sunnyside. This would make it easier for drivers to see people crossing the street.

• • • • • • •  Proposal 5 • • • • • • •  

Improve median landscaping in Monterey Heights

1. Area: Monterey Heights
2. We want to replace overgrown plants with new landscaping at Monterey Boulevard and San Jacinto Way.

• • • • • • •  Proposal 6 • • • • • • •  

Fix sign and paint mural at Commodore Sloat Elementary School

1. Area: Balboa Terrace
2. We want to replace the wooden sign at Commodore Sloat Elementary that faces Ocean Avenue. We also want to add a mural to enhance the school’s outdoor space.

• • • • • • •  Proposal 7 • • • • • • •  

Paint a mural on Monterey Boulevard

1. Area: Sunnyside
2. We want to paint a mural on the wall of the Safeway on Monterey Boulevard. This would help beautify the area and help prevent graffiti.

• • • • • • •  Proposal 8 • • • • • • •  

Fix sidewalks in Ingleside Terraces

1. Area: Ingleside Terraces
2. We want to fix 2 to 4 cracked sidewalks in and around Ingleside Terraces.

• • • • • • •  Proposal 9 • • • • • • •  

Improve garden and open space at West Portal School

1. Area: West Portal
2. We want to replace planting beds and improve open space at West Portal Elementary School. These areas were removed or blocked off during construction.

• • • • • • •  Proposal 10 • • • • • • •  

Add curb ramps in Westwood Park

1. Area: Westwood Park
2. We want to build two new curb ramps in Westwood Park. These ramps would help people using strollers and wheelchairs move around more easily.

Sunday is the last day to vote. Vote here.

Stay tuned to this site for instructions regarding the election for these projects — only District 7 residents may vote.

Doug Comstock is the editor of the Westside Observer

June 2025