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THE NEWS YOU OTTA SEE THIS WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO Our Press Releases Welcome to our Press Releases section, where we share our most current and important updates on the work we're doing. From the initiatives we're currently running to the impact we've made in the communities we serve, this space is dedicated to giving you an in-depth look at our progress. 03/04/2024 Announcing our new name: Our Time To Act 09/21/2023 Circulate San Diego Designates OTTA as Sustainable Growth Award Winner 08/22/2023 Activating Youth: Catalyst Leadership Second Workshop 06/10/2023 OTTA United Completes Youth Activation & Workplace Motivation Workshop Series with Catalyst Page 1 of 7 ALL PRESS RELEASES The Newsletter SUBSCRIBE STORIES FROM OUR TEAM OTTA Blurb OTTA Blurbs is a unique corner of our nonprofit dedicated to showcasing the voices and insights written by our team members. Explore "Our Blurbs" to gain a deeper connection with our team, our mission, and the causes we champion. Aathmika Radhachandran Jan 1 3 min Aathmika: Your Guide to Changing Your Community 34 4 likes. Post not marked as liked 4 Michael Nguyen Dec 4, 2023 2 min Michael Nguyen: Chess at OTTA 33 6 likes. Post not marked as liked 6 1 2 The Instagram Press Releases Newsletter Instagram OTTA Blurbs

HOUSING ACTION PACKAGE 2.0 WHAT IS THE HOUSING ACTION PACKAGE 2.0? San Diego’s Housing Action Package 2.0 (HAP 2.0) is a package of actions and policies that, if adopted, will boost the production of housing, especially affordable housing, in the city . Some of these policies include density bonuses, incentivizing the development of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in more areas of the city, and incentivizing more off-campus student housing to be built. Most HAP 2.0 policies are geared towards allowing more housing in “transit-rich areas,” such as near trolley stops and bus stations with high-frequency buses. Encouraging more housing near transit allows us to fight the housing crisis while simultaneously promoting a more environmentally sustainable city. WHAT WAS HAP 1.0? HAP 1.0 was a similar package of housing policies passed in February 2022 . It laid the groundwork for much of HAP 2.0, and also had to do with the implementation of actions and policies meant to combat the systemic effects of the housing and environmental crisis. For example, HAP 1.0’s implementation of Senate Bill 9 to allow for ADUs on single-family plots of land was a major step forward in pro-housing action for San Diego. WHY DO WE NEED HAP 2.0? Though HAP 1.0 was a vital first step for San Diego in addressing its housing crisis, there is certainly more work to be done. Currently, San Diego County is estimated to need more than 21,000 new homes per year just to keep up with demand. However, in 2021, only 9,642 were constructed , demonstrating the need for further policy implementation to solve the housing crisis. Policies such as those included in HAP 2.0 would bring us closer to meeting our housing targets. WHY IS MEETING THESE GOALS SO IMPORTANT? San Diego is a desirable city to live in. We must build enough housing to accommodate current and prospective residents. Every day, more people are competing for increasingly scarce housing, which drives up the cost for everybody. Economic research shows cities and communities that allow more housing see lower increases in their housing costs compared to cities that do not allow enough housing to be constructed. The city of Auckland, New Zealand for example enacted similar policies as HAP 2.0 in 2016. Relative to other cities with restrictive housing policies, their rents are up to 35% lower for family housing. WHAT'S THE CURRENT STATUS OF THIS LEGISLATION? HAP 2.0 is tentatively set to go to the San Diego City Council for a vote sometime in November of this year. However, on August 3, 2023, the Planning Commission removed SB 10 from the package largely due to the large quantity of negative testimony organized by anti-housing groups. Pro-housing advocates would have benefitted from greater numbers in pro-SB 10, pro-HAP 2.0 testimony both in-person and through email public comments to show the Commission the true support of the community for SB 10’s implementation within HAP 2.0. The Land Use and Housing Committee of the City Council formally removed the piece from HAP 2.0 on September 21, 2023. The rest of HAP 2.0 is intact though, and will be going up to a vote soon. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR HAP 2.0? Despite the benefits of this policy package, there are several anti-housing groups working towards blocking many of the most important aspects of this package. Their reasons for blocking systemic solutions to the housing crisis include fears of increased traffic, reduced property values, and lack of sunlight. Their loud efforts at City Council and Planning Commission meetings have already resulted in Senate Bill 10 being removed from HAP 2.0. WHAT IS SENATE BILL 10? Senate Bill 10 is a piece of state legislation that authorizes cities like San Diego to upzone single-family zoned land, through splitting lots, and other incentives, without having to cut through red-tape that usually delays the development of desperately needed housing. This legislation also provides the capacity to create San Diego’s missing middle-income housing and combat the effects of historically exclusive and biased land-use policy. Check out this webpage for more information on this bill specifically. WHY WAS SENATE BILL 10 REMOVED? A major reason there was so much attention paid to removing SB 10, is likely because it was one of the most important parts of this package. One of the more frequently cited arguments against its inclusion was due to its “irreversibility.” This provision of SB 10 refers to the fact that once a parcel of land has been upzoned using the legislation, it cannot subsequently be “downzoned,” or its allowed density cannot be reduced. The “irreversibility” characteristic is key to the impact SB 10 can create because the alternative is allowing the opportunity for downzoning. For example, in Los Angeles, downzoning efforts led the city’s zoned capacity to drop from 10 million before the 1960s down to around 4 million . Los Angeles’s 3.9 million and growing population is quickly reaching this unnecessary and avoidable capacity limit. SB 10’s prohibition on downzoning is what earned it such negative efforts from anti-housing advocates, but is what gives this policy such potential to have meaningful and positive impacts on the housing crisis if implemented. WHY SHOULD YOU SUPPORT SENATE BILL 10 DESPITE IT'S REMOVAL FROM HAP 2.0? Though SB 10 has been tabled at the moment from being implemented within HAP 2.0, Our Time To Act (OTTA) alongside our community partners and neighbors, will still be advocating for its implementation. By showing continued support for SB 10, despite its removal from this policy package, we will demonstrate to the City Council that the majority of San Diego is serious about taking action that will treat housing as a human right. Sustained support will make our efforts to implement SB 10 in the future stronger. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU? The passage of this policy package is essential to solving the housing crisis. Although the housing crisis has a multitude of causes and potential solutions, fundamentally we must build more housing. It’s like we’re currently playing a game of musical chairs; if there are 10 chairs and 15 people, ultimately 5 people will be chair-less no matter how you redistribute it. The solution is to allow 5 more chairs to be added, with plans in place to add more chairs as more people join the game. HOW CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS PASSING THESE POLICIES? You can get involved with Our Time To Act and lend your support through public comment when HAP 2.0 goes up for a vote. We would love to have you join us in person, through Zoom, or by making an online comment voicing your support. As the meeting date for HAP 2.0 has not yet been released, you can show your support now through making a comment here , and we will submit it for you as soon as the date is announced. HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION? Ask away! We are more than happy to provide more information. Send an email to Nicole Lillie, our Housing Project Director. nicole.lillie@ottaunited.org

MIDWAY PROJECT BACKGROUND Midway District, neighboring Old Town San Diego, is home to many notable attractions in SD such as Kobey’s Swap Meet and Pechanga Arena. In 2020, voters approved an increase in the development. Recently, however, the city has recently blocked bids that prioritize housing over building a new stadium. We are advocating for housing to be the first priority in new development. TAKE ACTION GOALS ADVOCATE for housing to be the top priority in Midway development. CALL for the City Council to reject the Mayor's recommendation to cut two bidders out, and instead implement a clear process for analysis and selection. MORE RESOURCES "Politics Report: What San Diegans Are Worried About Now, " Voice of San Diego (April 2022) "Not only do housing and homelessness now rank as the biggest problem for nearly 60 percent of the city, according to this poll, but virtually every other concern has faded from view. No single issue gets more than five percent of people’s attention." ​ "San Diego’s sports arena site is up for grabs. These are the 5 teams competing to remake the property, " San Diego Union-Tribune (January 2022) ​ "What is the strongest bid for San Diego’s sports arena site? " San Diego Union-Tribune (February 2022) ​ "City Staff Picks Preferred Sports Arena Bid, " Voice of San Diego (April 2022) "The staff recommendation shows how much Mayor Todd Gloria is prioritizing a new arena on the land, at least in the case of one of the bidders, over affordable housing.” ​ ​ "San Diego Has a Housing Crisis, Not an Arena Crisis, " Voice of San Diego (April 2022) "Public lands should be used for the greatest public good – which in San Diego means housing, housing, and more housing. City leaders have articulated the importance of housing but the real test will be their decision at Midway." ​ "For the city to give priority to a state-of-the-art entertainment complex, intended to attract more concerts and minor-league sports teams, would be a gross example of misguided public planning. Without sufficient housing, San Diego can’t attract new jobs. Higher education can’t attract students."

< Back to Open Positions Assistant Director of Policy and Action Volunteer San Diego and/or Remote APPLY Rolling application. Priority given to applications submitted before September 30th. ABOUT THE ROLE The Assistant Director of Policy and Action works within the advocacy branch, with a focus on current legislative activity. They are responsible for coordination between Youth Advocates, Policy Analysts, and the Director of Advocacy, ensuring efficient analysis and action on legislation that affects youth. REQUIREMENTS Prior relevant experience preferred. Demonstrates ability to identify and pursue potential policy areas for action. Exemplifies strong leadership qualities. High school student or beyond. 8-10 hours, 2-3 meetings a week. Our scheduling is highly flexible. Values cooperation, creativity, growth-mindset. Exhibits organization, diligence, and dedication. Passion for youth empowerment. ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION While pursuing our mission of youth empowerment, Our Time to Act United understands the importance of fostering a safe, welcoming, and positive environment for all. As such, the actions we take align with our values as an organization and as individuals. We value meaningful impact. We always seek to genuinely support those that we serve and the people within our organization. We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse group of people. These values are reflected in our hiring practices, decision-making, and programs. Our team and organization is growth-minded and development-focused. We always have room to improve! Our organization promotes honesty, communication, and integrity. These values allow for us to be a cooperative, productive, and effective team. We praise creativity and ingenuity. Nothing is more exciting than thinking outside of the box or challenging the status quo. Applications are a two-way street. We make our values as an organization clear to you in order to make sure our team is the right fit—and we hope we are! Do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions regarding our organization, values, workplace environment, or the application process. APPLY

< Back to Open Positions Assistant Director of Development Volunteer South Bay Area APPLY Rolling application. Priority given to applications submitted before September 30th. ABOUT THE ROLE The Assistant Director of Development works within the Operations branch focusing on fund procurement and financial security. They help guide and direct the work of the Fundraising Specialists and Grant Writers to financially support Our Time to Act United's mission. REQUIREMENTS Prior relevant experience preferred. Demonstrates ability to connect others to our mission and foster interpersonal relations. Exemplifies strong leadership qualities. High school student or beyond. 8-10 hours, 2-3 meetings a week. Our scheduling is highly flexible. Values cooperation, creativity, growth-mindset. Exhibits organization, diligence, and dedication. Passion for youth empowerment. ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION While pursuing our mission of youth empowerment, Our Time to Act United understands the importance of fostering a safe, welcoming, and positive environment for all. As such, the actions we take align with our values as an organization and as individuals. We value meaningful impact. We always seek to genuinely support those that we serve and the people within our organization. We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse group of people. These values are reflected in our hiring practices, decision-making, and programs. Our team and organization is growth-minded and development-focused. We always have room to improve! Our organization promotes honesty, communication, and integrity. These values allow for us to be a cooperative, productive, and effective team. We praise creativity and ingenuity. Nothing is more exciting than thinking outside of the box or challenging the status quo. Applications are a two-way street. We make our values as an organization clear to you in order to make sure our team is the right fit—and we hope we are! Do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions regarding our organization, values, workplace environment, or the application process. APPLY

< Back to Open Positions Assistant Director of Research Volunteer San Diego and/or Remote APPLY Rolling application. Priority given to applications submitted before September 30th. ABOUT THE ROLE The Assistant Director of Research works to further our organization's scientific understanding of youth empowerment and development. By proposing and answering applicable and tangible research questions, Our Time to Act United can improve our approach, methodology, and actions to further our impact on youth. REQUIREMENTS Prior academic experience required. Preferred in the fields of psychology, sociology, education, political science, or related subjects. Demonstrates ability to identify research questions and strong project management. Undergraduate or beyond. Exceptions for exceptional candidates can be made. Highly flexible hours. Meetings dependent on research schedule. Values cooperation, creativity, growth-mindset. Exhibits organization, diligence, and dedication. Passion for youth empowerment. ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION While pursuing our mission of youth empowerment, Our Time to Act United understands the importance of fostering a safe, welcoming, and positive environment for all. As such, the actions we take align with our values as an organization and as individuals. We value meaningful impact. We always seek to genuinely support those that we serve and the people within our organization. We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse group of people. These values are reflected in our hiring practices, decision-making, and programs. Our team and organization is growth-minded and development-focused. We always have room to improve! Our organization promotes honesty, communication, and integrity. These values allow for us to be a cooperative, productive, and effective team. We praise creativity and ingenuity. Nothing is more exciting than thinking outside of the box or challenging the status quo. Applications are a two-way street. We make our values as an organization clear to you in order to make sure our team is the right fit—and we hope we are! Do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions regarding our organization, values, workplace environment, or the application process. APPLY

< Back Michael Nguyen Director of Engagement Michael (he/him) is a second-year at University of California, Berkeley, intending on studying Business Administration and Economics. He is interested in both marketing and the nonprofit sector, and plans on finding a way to integrate the two in his future career. Prior to joining Our Time To Act, Michael was a Communications Assistant at the Research, Teaching, and Learning Services (RTL) at UC Berkeley. Some of his hobbies include writing poetry, playing chess, and reading issues of various literary magazines. michael.nguyen@ottaunited.org

< Back Howard Truei Director of Development Howard Truei (he/him) is a biomedical pathway student at University City High School. His first interaction with Our Time To Act was through the Aaron Price Fellows Program. He officially joined OTTA and became the Director of Development on August 22, 2023. As Director of Development, Howard takes the lead in the growth and expansion of OTTA through fundraising as well as OTTA’s integration with local communities. Outside of OTTA, Howard is an Aaron Price Fellow, co-captain of his tennis team, and founder of the Culinary Club. He is looking forward to contributing to OTTA and his community in the future. howard.truei@ottaunited.org

Our team is crucial to the work we do. Scroll down to see where you can join in. Open Positions Open Positons San Diego, CA, USA CYAN Lead Organizer Volunteer View Position San Diego and/or Remote Co-Director of Engagement Staff Director (Volunteer) View Position San Diego and/or Remote Director of Operations & People Staff Director (Volunteer) View Position San Diego and/or Remote Director of Finance & Budgeting Staff Director (Volunteer) View Position San Diego and/or Remote Graphic Design Intern Intern (Volunteer) View Position California | Remote Board Director Volunteer View Position 1 1 ... 1 ... 1

Press Releases Announcing our new name: Our Time To Act Mar 4, 2024 Circulate San Diego Designates OTTA as Sustainable Growth Award Winner Sep 21, 2023 Activating Youth: Catalyst Leadership Second Workshop Aug 22, 2023 OTTA United Completes Youth Activation & Workplace Motivation Workshop Series with Catalyst Jun 10, 2023 OTTA United Celebrates Positivity and Community in Pro-Housing Listening Session May 6, 2023 Press Conference and Rally: The University Community is Pro-Housing Mar 11, 2023 OTTA United & students play a major role in successful push for more housing in San Diego Feb 15, 2023 OP-ED: "More Housing, For Us and Our Climate" by Nicole Lillie, Housing Projects Director Feb 6, 2023 Aidan Lin appointed by California Senate to new state-wide Youth Empowerment Commission Jan 18, 2023 Two young leaders, Nicole Lillie and Yvania Rubio, take new leadership roles on staff team Jan 17, 2023 Aidan Lin and OTTA United featured in State of the City Speech by SD Mayor Gloria Jan 11, 2023 OTTA United hosts first-ever gala in December 2022 with awards, food, and celebration Dec 11, 2022 1 2 3 1 ... 1 2 3 ... 3

< Back Karis Lin People Specialist Karis (she/her) is currently a student at Homestead Highschool. She briefly joined Our Time To Act in May-August 2022 as a Graphic Design Intern, and returned in March 2024 as OTTA's People Specialist. Outside of Our Time To Act, Karis is actively involved in her school's leadership program as a class officer, helping plan events that create a sense of belonging within Homestead's community. Additionally, she is in the process of completing Royal Conservatory of Music Level 10 for piano and has been playing the instrument for the past 12 years. In her free time, Karis enjoys messing around on the piano, listening to music, playing tennis, and gaming. Ultimately, she hopes to use her skills to help OTTA continue to grow as an organization. karis.lin@ottaunited.org