Hello UH Neighbors & UHCA Volunteers

James with Toshi

My name is James, though many of you may know me better as “Toshi’s dad.” I’m a proud San Diego native, and I’ve had the privilege of calling University Heights home for more than 13 years.

I came to civic service by way of a second act in the classroom. After decades of work in business, I returned to school as an adult student, finishing at San Diego City College and graduating with honors in May 2025. I transferred to San Diego State that same spring and earned my Bachelor of Science in general business in three semesters and one summer session, graduating magna cum laude with the Class of 2026. This fall, I begin the next chapter as an MBA student at SDSU.

The volunteer requirement for SDSU’s Leadership Certificate is what turned my interest in civic engagement into action. It started with the Aztec Unity Project and its collaborations with two local nonprofits: Sharia’s Closet and Porchlight Community Services. From there I became a registered volunteer with The San Diego LGBT Community Center and a member of the Hillcrest All-Inclusive Kiwanis Club, where I will serve as treasurer-elect for the 2026–2027 term.

Someday I hope to leave a mark on my home city like the one my late cousins left behind — their names are memorialized on the 7900 block of Aero Drive, dedicated as Deegan and Stephen Lew Drive. For now, I’m simply glad to start contributing to the association that helps make University Heights the best place in San Diego to live.

As your volunteer coordinator, I’ll be leading UHCA’s volunteer recruitment, onboarding, and day-to-day coordination. My goal is a simple one: to match every volunteer with work they actually enjoy and that puts their skills to good use. Whether you have a few hours a year or a few hours a week, there’s a place for you here. Reach out at volunteer@uhsd.org or james@uhsd.org and let’s find yours.