I'm writing as a friend of the Vera House Community Garden and as a resident of the  Normal Heights neighborhood of San Diego. We found out today that the garden is being listed for sale, unbeknownst to our community or to any of the gardeners. Our entire neighborhood is heartbroken, as this is one of the only green spaces that serve our community and is a cornerstone to meet neighbors, grab herbs for dinner, host potlucks, and admire the beautiful flowers and plants in this quiet neighborhood park.

WHY YOU SHOULD SUPPORT THIS PETITION: Vera House Community Garden was established in 1992 after local community advocates came together to petition the city for a community garden. The trust that held the garden has changed ownership, and the new owner is now selling the property, asking for $399,000. This is the listing: https://www.redfin.com/CA/San-Diego/3403-N-Mountain-View-Dr-92116/home/22421448

We've contacted the realtors (John and Joanie Selby) who said they were hoping that the "community would band together to purchase the lot." This is an unrealistic solution and it is apparent how out of touch they are with the purchasing power of this community given the asking price.

This garden spans generations and has been a source of healthy, organic food for this community for 30 years. Gardeners in their 80's plant alongside young gardeners who are still learning to walk. This is what makes this community so special. Please don't bulldoze what we've cultivated for three decades. This will tear down the character of our tight-knit community and erase a vital part of our history. Learn more about the rich history of Vera House Community Garden, whose namesake honors a long-time resident and anchor of the Normal Heights community.

Join us in asking the City of San Diego to intervene with this sale and help the community of San Diego establish ownership of this community garden as part of the larger "Parks for All of Us" initiative, unveiled by Mayor Todd Gloria on June 2, 2021.