Divorce was never part of her plan, but when it happened, she found herself struggling with addiction and homelessness for years. She lost her daughter, her home, and, at times, even herself. She remained stuck in that cycle because she desperately needed help.

Born in Sudan, Entesar now lives in City Heights with her family. She spends her days nurturing her four children while managing the many responsibilities of an at-home parent.

The dream began years ago. Amongst friends and family gatherings, Ellie would share her salsas and dishes low-key experimenting flavors and recipes. Their responses confirmed what Ellie already knew: her salsa recipe is favored by many, making it a sellable product. 

“To me, the story of Shahrazaad is the story of City Heights. Out here in this community, there are thousands of stories being lived and told that require both the listener and the storyteller to understand—they require presence.”

Economic Development team members Tom, Sonia, Sergio and, Development Manager, Yaneth, share what drove them to the City Heights CDC.

“It’s not just selling food, like a frozen bag of croquettes. It's about families gathering at their table having our cheese breads. It's an honor, families getting together and enjoying something we made.”

“Helping bridge gaps between residents and essential resources gets me excited.

Their limited English—which is always a hindrance to accessing resources and opportunities—is less of a problem when they have help. It’s humbling for me, being able to help make these connections.”

Born in Sierra Leone, West Africa, Maseray ran a thriving small goods trading business from her home before being displaced and starting her life in City Heights.

Inspired by the Cambodian food scene in Long Beach, Somnang, a Cambodian-American raised in City Heights, shares her inspiration which led to the opening of her micro-kitchen, Lucky Sahn Flavors of Cambodia. 

Brandon Renteria, owner and creator of the brunch food truck, The Funky Frenchie, is a recipient of the San Diego Food Justice Project initiative.

The key to sustainability and resilience throughout movement work, your day job and just life in general is to ask for help. To ask for support. Nobody can take on a fight, especially a fight against institutional -isms by themselves. It’s important to work in collaboration with community, family and friends.

“I found that I love cooking, I'm good at it, and people like it.” Luz, owner of Las Tias food truck

“People across all cultures seek our food. That's when you see food goes beyond borders. Over one dish you gain friends or meet people you've never met.” Daniel, Co-Owner of The Birria Truck

At the age of one, Tran and her family migrated from Vietnam to City Heights. After graduating, Tran ditched her pursuit of a career in real estate, instead committing her efforts to protect City Height’s essence - its people.

Tran shares how growing up in City Heights framed her perspective of a successful and meaningful career.

“I’ve seen people start businesses, and at first it’s cool and fun, but eventually the work and grind of it can leave you questioning…”

Almost everyday, you will find Nancy selling flowers. She owns and runs Mi Pequeña Lucia. More than a year ago, Mi Pequeña Lucia was nonexistent and Nancy was unemployed…

“The imbalance of power between landlords and tenants, which is created by weak tenant protections, places the tenants in a vulnerable position that is further amplified when the tenant has language, financial, or other barriers.”

“Being part of this community has made me realize that, even though we are different from one another, we still come together as one.”

"Running has always been important to me, but what I came to realize after coaching for City Heights Runners is that running is more than just about getting faster, it’s about becoming a more resilient and strong person.”

“My family and I were evicted just a few years after we moved to the United States. I was around 8 years old, maybe younger, and it was traumatic. You don't forget those things…”