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About the District

Stretching from Torrey Pines Park to the U.S.-Mexico border and from the Pacific Ocean through Mission Valley to East County, California's 53rd Congressional District includes the heart of San Diego. With its sparkling beaches and magnificent harbor, San Diego has long been known as a destination for millions of tourists and as every sailor's favorite port of call. While embracing these traditions, San Diego has grown and diversified in recent years to become a national center of higher education, research, and high technology.

San Diego is a tourist's paradise, with many major attractions and warm sunny days year round. We can begin our tour in the north at Torrey Pines State Reserve, where majestic stands of the native Torrey pine tree overlook carved sandstone cliffs and the pounding Pacific. Nearby are the world-famous Torrey Pines Golf Course, the University of California San Diego, Birch Aquarium, and the picturesque village of La Jolla.

Driving south on Interstate 5, we reach the crossroads of the district at Interstate 8. To the west are Sea World and the seaside communities of Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and Ocean Beach. To the east along I-8 is Mission Valley, home to the University of San Diego, Qualcomm Stadium, Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala, and San Diego State University.

San Diego is known as a city of neighborhoods, each with their distinct identity and history. Several of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods -- including Linda Vista, Hillcrest, Normal Heights, North Park, Kensington, Talmadge, and Rolando - are found in the highlands north and south of Mission Valley.

Continuing east, we reach the City of Lemon Grove, known for its small town charm and having "the best climate on earth." Just to the south, nestled at the bottom of Dictionary Hill, lies the community of La Presa.

Returning to the coast, we take I-5 south of I-8, passing San Diego Lindbergh Field International Airport and the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot, Old Town, Little Italy, the Port of San Diego, downtown San Diego, and Barrio Logan. Near the Civic Center is the colorful Gaslamp District, with its fine restaurants and lively nightlife.

Many of San Diego's prime tourist attractions are located in Balboa Park, just up the hill from downtown San Diego. Here we find the world-famous San Diego Zoo, the Old Globe Theatre, and over a dozen museums featuring everything from fine art to ancient artifacts to space travel.

Across the Coronado Bridge, the 53rd District stretches west and south to the cities of Coronado and Imperial Beach. Coronado is home of the famous Hotel del Coronado and three major Navy installations: Naval Air Station North Island, Naval Aviation Depot North Island, and the Coronado Amphibious Base. Down the Silver Strand from Coronado is Imperial Beach, a seaside community known for its U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition, which is held on the beach every July.

I am proud to represent all of these communities as the Member of Congress for California's 53rd District. Thank you for making this virtual tour of San Diego, and I welcome you to come visit in person!