At the Budget Hearing on May 3, 2024, City Councilmembers expressed much concern for the reduction of youth recreational swim team and water polo programs from year-round to summer months only, along with several other youth programs hosted by the City of San Diego Parks & Recreation Department. To see their perspective, see these select video highlights that our volunteer team clipped for you!

So, What’s Next?

• Sign our online petition. Forward it to friends, share it on social media. We want to get to 1,000 signatures this week!
• Send an email to your City of San Diego Councilmember AND community representative. (Contact list is here.) Tell them what your perspective is on this issue and to encourage them to KEEP OUR YOUTH WATER POLO AND SWIM TEAMS INTACT IN THE BUDGET REVISION, meaning that they are offered year-round, not reduced to summer months. What would it mean to your family if the program goes away? How have you benefited from the program? (Template messages are here, please personalize them to share your perspective.)
• If you are a member of a City of San Diego youth swim team or water polo program, please talk / text / email your fellow parents/grown-ups and tell them that our program is on the chopping block. All voices matter and we want to share with them that this is an important program to keep.
• Get ready to submit public comment for any agenda items pertaining to this measure at an upcoming meeting. Public comments can be submitted via email, through the official webform, in-person in council chambers, or through Zoom during the meeting. The next meeting is Thursday, May 16. Details on how you can participate and share your opinion is below!

LET’S GET ORGANIZED! JOIN US FOR A QUICK 30 MINUTE PLANNING CALL

We welcome concerned community members and parents of youth swim team and water polo program participants to join us for a 30 minute planning call to learn how you can share your opinion with those who are making the decisions about the City budget. These programs are very much threatened to be reduced.

• When: Wednesday, May 15 // 8 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

How to join: Zoom Meeting ID – 830 7326 1932 / Passcode – 286095 / LINK

Important Dates:

• Tuesday, May 14 – Budget Revisions are Released, incorporating City Council and community feedback.
• Tuesday, May 14 + Wednesday, May 15 – Send your letter to your councilmember and community representative for your pool. Also include this email address: CouncilCommittee@sandiego.gov. Here is a list of the councilmembers assigned to each pool area. Feel free to use this template message, but personalize so it reflects your opinion.
• Thursday, May 16 – Budget Review Committee at 2 p.m. More information: Agenda and how to submit a public comment through the webform and how to comment in-person or virtually during the meeting. Submit your online public comment by 12 noon. Be sure to indicate 5-16-2024 Budget Hearing and Item-2. Limited to 200 words.
• Final consideration by the City Council will take place in mid-June, with adoption of an appropriation ordinance due no later than June 30, 2024.
• Full Legislative Calendar – Check it out here.