ACCOMPLISHMENTS

1. Fighting for Affordability & Lowering Costs

Venus Molina has focused on practical solutions to ease the cost of living for working families.

  • Led the Smart Money Summit during the 2008 recession, helping families learn budgeting, credit repair, and foreclosure prevention.

  • Launched San Diego Community Power, increasing local control over energy and reducing costs by introducing competition to San Diego Gas & Electric.

  • As a San Diego County Water Authority Board Member, supported long-term water deals to stabilize supply and help decrease rising water costs.

2. Expanding Housing & Protecting Neighborhoods

Venus Molina has worked to increase housing while protecting long-term residents.

  • Worked on Midway Rising, California’s largest affordable housing project.

  • Led efforts on the Short-Term Rental Ordinance to add thousands of whole homes to residents.

  • Helped about 300 families stay housed with the City Heights CDC Eviction Protection Program.

  • Supported the construction of over 300 affordable housing units in City Heights.

3. Improving Neighborhood Services & Quality of Life

Venus Molina has focused on bringing basic services to underserved communities.

  • Advanced the redevelopment of the Skyline Hills Library in Southeast San Diego and secured funding for the renovation of the Ocean Beach Library.

  • Helped direct Community Development Block Grant funding to underserved neighborhoods for parks, libraries, and community upgrades.

  • Helped bring the first drugstore to the heart of Southeast San Diego on Euclid Ave, improving access to healthcare.

4. Supporting Small Businesses & Local Jobs

Venus Molina has worked to cut red tape and support local entrepreneurs.

  • Crafted the Small Business Ordinance to streamline permits and reduce barriers.

  • Established the Diamond Business Improvement District to support local small businesses in Southeast San Diego.

  • Worked on the Opportunity Program for Entrepreneurial Development that supported more than 100 local entrepreneurs and their small businesses.

  • Created a $400,000 small business relief fund to support local City Heights small businesses impacted by the current economy. 

5. Protecting Health & Environmental Justice

Venus Molina has worked on issues impacting our environment and border pollution. 

  • Led on the passage of the Climate Emergency Resolution, elevating climate action citywide.

  • Supported coordinated effort of the Air Pollution Control District during the Tijuana River Valley crisis, helping distribute 10,000+ air purifiers to impacted residents.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Venus Molina’s leadership and community impact have been recognized by local and national organizations:

  • FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award

    Presented by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for outstanding community leadership and service.


  • Legislative Lounge “City Hall Servant” Award (2019)

    Awarded by the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce recognizing her strong work advancing policies at the City of San Diego.

  • Allyship in Action Award (2025)

    Awarded by the San Diego Equality Business Association for her advocacy and support of LGBTQ+ communities.

  • Woman of San Diego Moxie Award (2019)

    Honored by Moxie Theatre recognizing women making a difference in the community.

  • Nominee, Woman of the Year (2016)

    San Diego Magazine recognition highlighting influential local leaders.

  • Nominee, Latino Impact Award (2015)

    Recognized for contributions to the Latino community and leadership impact.