University Heights resident and poet Jane Muschenetz, a refugee from Soviet Ukraine and mother of two, won first place in the 2025 National Federation of Press Women contest for her poetry collection POWER POINT. Her work blends data, humor, and heart, exploring identity, motherhood, and resilience through a poetic lens.

Birney Elementary has launched its new closed-campus policy to improve student safety, creating the “cone zone” along Campus Avenue for smoother, safer drop-offs. The school and Beekeeper Alliance are asking the community to help—by driving carefully, avoiding congestion, and volunteering an hour to keep UH’s youngest pedestrians safe.

The Friends of the University Heights Library share exciting updates and gratitude as Secretary Abi embarks on a new adventure. The group is now seeking a new Secretary to help support events, meetings, and literacy initiatives. November also brings the Friends’ popular book sale—where proceeds fund local libraries—and a reminder to join for just $10 a year.

San Diego’s housing is increasingly out of reach: affordable units lag far behind need, the median home price tops $1.025M, and only 12% of families can afford a median-priced home. The article explains why market dynamics and policy choices keep prices high and outlines community-first models that could help.

Excessive nighttime lighting does more than waste energy—it disrupts nature’s best pest control system. Bright lights deter owls, which can consume over 1,000 rodents a year, and allow rats and mice to thrive. Smart lighting choices like motion sensors, downward fixtures, and warmer bulbs can restore balance, cut costs, and help owls keep UH rodent-free.

Roosevelt Middle School student-athletes wrapped up another exciting fall season in San Diego Unified’s free athletic program. Competing in basketball and track & field, students built teamwork, independence, and confidence under the guidance of Coach Tais Marinho-Gomez, a former UCSD track standout. The program continues to grow, giving every student a chance to shine.

Meet Billy and Moses, two playful brothers who love chasing laser lights and watching the world go by from their window perch. Gentle and affectionate, these University Heights cats share a home with Missy, a former Pet of the Month—though they prefer admiring her from a safe distance.

Historical artifacts from University Heights are being auctioned, offering residents a chance to preserve pieces of the neighborhood’s past.

Founded by UH resident and psychology professor Jacqueline Penhos, Hugs and Bags has grown from a small act of kindness into a thriving nonprofit supporting homeless students and families. Through weekly food giveaways, clothing swaps, and volunteer-powered outreach, the group brings compassion and connection to University Heights.

Picking up after your dog isn’t just polite—it’s the law. Whether in a park, on a sidewalk, or in your own yard, cleaning up every time keeps University Heights clean, safe, and neighborly. A little responsibility goes a long way toward keeping our community welcoming for everyone.

A new community initiative highlights University Heights residents who go above and beyond to make a difference in the neighborhood.

The UH Women’s Walk Club continues to grow with new fall events that promote wellness, inclusion, and neighborly connection.

Meals on Wheels San Diego County delivers more than food — it delivers connection and compassion. With over 3,500 volunteers serving 700,000 meals each year, the program helps seniors across the county, including right here in University Heights. Meet the local faces behind the mission and learn how you can get involved to deliver kindness, one doorstep at a time.

The October UHCA meeting featured updates from elected officials on local projects and an important briefing on the future of the Brucker Education Center. Tyla Soylu also shared practical composting and recycling tips, inspiring residents to reduce waste and support a cleaner, greener University Heights.

Kristin Harms examines UH’s housing history and current zoning challenges, calling for community input on sustainable development.

Marc Johnson shares insights on UH’s housing challenges, zoning changes, and community priorities for affordable housing and infrastructure.

The UH Art Walk highlighted over 50 utility box art pieces, showcasing local artists’ creativity and the importance of community connection.

UH residents cleared over 40,000 pounds of vegetation and debris from Buchanan Canyon to reduce fire risks and restore native growth.

Hunter, a 5-month-old Labrador, is being trained as a mobility service dog by UH residents Mary and Andy Lange with Pawsitive Teams.

Lola Handzel offers guidance on safely interacting with dogs in UH, reminding residents to respect canine body language and boundaries.