So, how does Karen organization impact your life in City Heights?

So, I work at the Karen organization but I don't live in City Heights. I live in University Heights. So being able to come to the Karen organization every day in City Heights affects my life, it makes my life richer, because I get to be a part of a community that is very diverse and have a lot of interesting cultural things going on, whereas the neighborhood where I live doesn't have very much diversity. So being able to come to Karen organization every day and pass my life by giving me that access to culture and diversity.

So, like, what would you tell somebody that had never been in City Heights, what would you tell them about City Heights?

About City Heights? I would tell them that it's the place in San Diego where you can meet the most different kinds of people all together in the same space, and so it's really interesting walking down the street because whereas in my neighborhood, everybody's wearing jeans and t-shirts, here in this neighborhood we have the Muslim women that are wearing the long cloaks, and we have Karen women in their wrap-around skirts, and African women with beautiful flowers and bright colors, so, it's just so different being able to come to City Heights. City Heights is also a poorer neighborhood, there's not as much money here, so I think it has a reputation for being dangerous, but I think there's a lot more to it than just the dangerous part. I think there's a lot of beautiful things about it too.

Do you think, like, back then and now, are there differences? Are there any changes?

I'm not from San Diego, I grew up in Pennsylvania, and I've only been living in San Diego for a year and a half. So, I don't really know about the changes because it's a new community for me. 

When you get into City Heights, what's your first expression, like how do you feel? Do you feel safe? What kind of vibe?

You know, during the daytime, I feel safe. I don't worry too much. I ride my bike every day, so I ride my bicycle through City Heights to get to work, I don't really feel nervous though. I think at first, when I first started working here, I felt a little bit nervous riding my bike to work in the mornings, but now it doesn't bother me at all. I think it's fine. So, no. What really I think of first when I get to City Heights is the people, and then I think about other things. Now, I will say, I do feel a little bit nervous as a single woman to ride around on my bike late at night in City Heights.