Racquel Vasquez wants Lemon Grove to thrive well into the future

Election year is upon us and Racquel Vasquez with her long history of public service has thrown her hat into the City Council election ring. Lemon Grove’s City Council consists of five members who are selected from a non-partisan, at-large election to serve a four-year term. I had an opportunity to ask Vasquez some questions about her vision to normalize bicycling as a mode of transportation in Lemon Grove. Hope you enjoy getting to know Vasquez as I did.
—

BikeSD: How often do you ride a bicycle in Lemon Grove (for any purpose), and for what kinds of trips?
Racquel Vasquez: My family and I ride our bikes from time to time when warm weather permits, mostly around the neighborhood and for very short distances in Lemon Grove.
My husband and I have two daughters. When sun is shining brightly in the sky, our youngest will champion the cause for us to go out and ride our bikes. We ride classic cruisers while my husband prefers to ride a mountain bike. What we really enjoy most is that bike riding is a fun and economical way for the family to get some fresh air and exercise while spending quality time together.

BikeSD: The Lemon Grove School District recently received a grant to create a safer, more livable community with an emphasis on healthy walking and biking education recently. Will you commit to supporting a more robust Safe Routes to School program by expanding it to all schools in the city?
Racquel Vasquez: Absolutely! Helping our youth stay safe while walking and biking to school is a priority for me. A more robust Safe Routes to School program which combines in-school education with safety improvements along our streets is a win-win for our community. Besides, the overall health benefits and reduced fuel consumption are worth the investment!

BikeSD:Do you support the ability of businesses to continue to apply for and install parklets and bike parking corrals near their businesses?
Racquel Vasquez: I support the ability of businesses in Lemon Grove to continue to apply for and install parklets and bike parking corrals. Converting underutilized space into visually appealing areas with seating and landscaping is a wonderful way to bridge the connection between our local businesses and the community. It’s a benefit we all can enjoy!

BikeSD:Do you support bringing more funding to bikeway construction and maintenance by prioritizing at least 50% of the streets in the repaving schedule to be streets that are designated bike routes?
Racquel Vasquez:I am committed to expanding our investment in bikeway infrastructure and maintenance in accordance with the overall city budget. This type of investment will foster a ‘healthy environment active living’ future for our city thus reducing our carbon footprint.

BikeSD:What are your ideas for other funding sources for bicycle projects and programs in Lemon Grove?
Racquel Vasquez: One of my top priorities is balancing the city’s budget to ensure our city thrives well into the future. Given this goal, I will work with staff to explore possible local, state and federal funding sources to support bicycle projects in Lemon Grove. I will also work with the appropriate city departments to ensure bikeway projects remain a priority for the city as per the project priorities for the Bikeway Master Plan.

—

For additional information about the election, visit the City of Lemon Grove’s website. Vasquez also welcomes additional questions and you may leave them in the comments or by emailing her directly.