As we reflect on the past year, we also pause to celebrate what this community has achieved. Our work with business owners in the region calls for a profound expression of gratitude.

Osob Omar, owner and creator of Meliora Essence, forms part of the community of business owners we support.

A robust economy in City Heights is not possible without steady, sustainable businesses for its residents. That’s why we work alongside local business owners and entrepreneurs

To make it all happen, our Economic Development team kindly requests the help of volunteers who can assist with setting up, crowd control, activity supervision, and clean-up.

In celebration of the holiday season, our Economic Development team is collaborating with local businesses to host Tierra Central's first Winter Extravaganza.

“We need spaces where we can get together as a community. A lot of workplaces don’t have headquarters or a main office anymore after COVID, so we hope to meet that need."

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

For the next eight weeks, business owners will receive in-person training, resources, communal feedback, and grant funding for their business upon completion as they work to take their business to another level.

“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

They are called The Birria Truck (@thebirriatruck) and Las Tias (@las_tiasfoodtruck) and they sell delicious Mexican food!

“Sometimes at the end of the day, it's about survival. And survival comes with using what you know to make do with your daily expenses…”

Fern Street Circus is about performance and fun, but it’s also circus for social change, working alongside young people in the community to instill confidence, promote cultural understanding, and help youth realize their potential.

In commemoration of the holiday, Tierra Central hosted its first Mid-Autumn Moon celebration, a traditional celebration amongst Asian cultures honoring the moon for its harvest-giving light.

“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 Mid Autumn Festival is Sept 17 at Tierra Central and we'd LOVE to celebrate with you! There will be food trucks and carts, live music, and plenty to enjoy for the whole family.

City Heights is made up of resilient warriors. Signs of persistent hope are around every corner: the immigrant parents working to provide for their kids; the first-generation college student battling self-doubt and obscurity; the business owner believing in their business prospects.

The SD Food Justice Project is the latest chapter in to our long-term food security efforts in City Heights and beyond, and our Economic Development team is working hard to find the first 100 small business applicants with priority focus on marginalized business owners and supporting the entrepreneurship of individuals with limited English proficiency, regardless of immigration or citizenship status.

Local food businesses set up their food trucks and booths offering cuisines like Thai, Mexican, Jamaican, Vietnamese, Somali, Japanese, and from many other cultures!

Economic Development Program Coordinator, Tom Bui, explores the recent Khmer New Year event that served thousands in the Mid-City area!

Over the week, many of our neighbors celebrated Cambodian New Year!

The festivities at Tierra Central were amazing, with food from around the world, live music, dancing, art exhibitions, and even a parade.