Each weekday in University Heights, the Birney Bike Bus—started by parents Tom and Jenny—brings students and families together for a joyful, traffic-busting ride to Alice Birney Elementary.

Our sign is being partially repaired! Read about what’s happening next - and what we still need to do to fully restore it.

University Heights Community Association builds impact through partnerships—with businesses, the City, nonprofits, and members. Recent collaborations include a challenge grant for refurbishing the UH Trolley Sign and joint Summer Concerts with UHCDC. UHCA’s umbrella model supports groups like the Garden Club and Arts Association, enabling growth without reinventing infrastructure.

Prospera Internal Medicine & Aesthetics, founded by Lea Pace, PA-C, was named Best Hormone & Anti‑Aging Clinic by San Diego Magazine. The boutique practice offers hormone therapy, GLP weight‑loss care, injectables and laser treatments, runs a “Midlife Women Aging Well” lecture series, and plans free laser tattoo removal outreach.

Meet James (“Toshi’s dad”), a longtime University Heights resident and incoming SDSU MBA. As UHCA’s volunteer coordinator he’ll recruit, onboard, and match volunteers with meaningful roles—whether you have hours a year or a week.

60+ neighbors boarded the Route 11 bus for a bus-powered pub crawl covering Park & Rec, Una Mas, Ould Sol, and Mission Brewing. Meeting new friends, enjoying our awesome venues, and for many learning to ride the MTS!

Vermont Street Bridge, once an 'Orchid', now faces rising encampments, drug use, and trash—making neighbors feel unsafe. Police responses displace but don't solve root causes.

SB868 could bring plug-in solar to UH balconies and backyards — but utilities are fighting it, Prop 45 threatens existing protections, and local groups need help.

Muzita Abyssinian Bistro, opened in University Heights in 2008 by Abel and Yordanos, serves Eritrean and Ethiopian dishes over injera. Family-run and named for Abel’s late sister Muzit, it’s a community restaurant celebrating culture, home cooking, and neighborhood ties.

Source Connection Chiro & Light, founded 2023 by Dr. Darcy White (University Heights resident), offers NetworkSpinal chiropractic plus Modern Mystery School modalities (Life Activation, Empower Thyself) to release tension, regulate the nervous system, and reset body and mind.

On Aug. 6 UHWWC co-hosted UHCA’s Summer Mixer at Park and Rec—about 50 neighbors enjoyed pizza, drinks, sunset views, and community conversation.

UH’s own Terry Drever with his incredible Cattleya Raspberry Smoke orchid, won Best of Show at the San Diego County Orchid Society’s summer show — along with a Cultural Award recognizing his exceptional growing skills.

Our 28th Summer Concerts at Trolley Barn Park drew ~4,050 visits over four weeks, growing each night and peaking at 1,500. Dedicated to Ernie Bonn, the series united neighbors, vendors, musicians, sponsors and volunteers.

A brief history of the UH Trolley Sign

University Heights' iconic neon trolley sign will be switched off after City overspending drained the MAD reserve. With only ~$10k available, options are a $25k quick neon repair or $175k full LED overhaul. The community is demanding City accountability and funds.

University Heights lives Pride year-round: home to Diversionary Theatre and Lambda Archives, abundant rainbow flags, LGBTQ-owned shops, and welcoming neighbors. Residents celebrate visible community life on Park Boulevard; visitors are invited to stroll in July, say hello, and spend at businesses flying the colors.

Work is underway on a $39M modernization of Alice Birney Elementary through 2029. The administration building will be demolished; four kindergarten classrooms, rebuilt playgrounds, and new parking added. Interim modular offices and a new Meade Avenue entrance will serve visitors. Parts of the field, parking, and traffic routes are altered.

University Heights business owners launched UHCA initiatives—digital networking, regular meetups, promotions and a University Heights Discount Card—to keep dollars local and boost visibility. Owners: join UHCA. Neighbors: shop local. Attend the next meeting July 15, 2026, 11 a.m. at Kairoa Brewing Company or via Zoom.

Comparing 2014 and 2026 surveys, University Heights still prioritizes infrastructure but shifted from listing problems to demanding policies (parking minimums, 30-foot height limits). Housing affordability surged to the #2 concern as rents rose locally; surveys underrepresent renters, prompting outreach to include missing voices.

In spring 2026 Romina Espinosa completed an eight-week Engaged Buddhism program at Dharma Bum Temple in University Heights. Free offerings include daily meditations with Q&A, retreats, weekly study groups, volunteer service (sandwich distribution), and Buddhist recovery programs—welcoming to all, secular or religious.