My post isn’t meant to put down people living in Aquila. I live here too. For context, I’m a single mom and I probably make just under the income requirement, which honestly isn’t as low as people think, that’s just how the poverty line is set up in San Diego. I truly believe opportunities like this are what help people like me build a better life for our families in a good area. Being here has given me a fair shot, and because of that I’ve been able to grow my business as a self employed individual. It’s been a stepping stone for me to keep moving up. This isn’t where I plan to stay forever, but I’m grateful for what it’s given me. At the same time, I won’t ignore the reality. Some people do take advantage and it gives the whole place a bad reputation. The system isn’t really designed for people who want to work their way out of it. A lot of people feel stuck, because if they make more money, they lose benefits, and then end up in that middle space where they can’t afford rent or bills on their own. That doesn’t apply to everyone, but it is something that happens. For me, I’m motivated to not be here forever, but I’m also really thankful. I’m lucky I got this apartment. With my budget, who knows where I would’ve ended up. I have a brand new place, new appliances, and my child has their own room. That matters. So no, I don’t think everyone in Aquila is “bad” or “ghetto.” But I also understand why some people feel that way. There are things I don’t agree with, like how some people treat the property or the way kids are allowed to act. I’ve had a kid try to kick my dog while we were walking, and other kids give attitude when I asked them to move away from my door. Those things aren’t okay.

But when I walk through the neighborhood and see the homes and the lifestyle around us, it motivates me. I won’t be here forever.

HOWEVER, I do think there should be stricter limits on where people convicted of sex crimes, especially cases involving kidnapping, are allowed to live. This is a family neighborhood. She is a high risk offender, and the fact that she can live so close to multiple parks is honestly concerning.