KTPG Elections 2026

This year, seven board seats are up for election.

Eleven candidates are running.

Their statements are listed below.

Listed in alphabetical order by last name.

 

Christian Anderson —

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I am running for the Kensington/Talmadge Planning Group because I care deeply about the future of our community. As a homeowner and 20-plus-year resident of Kensington, I want to help guide thoughtful, balanced growth that reflects the values of the people who live here.

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Our neighborhood is more than just streets and buildings — it’s where we raise families, support local businesses, and create a shared sense of belonging. As development pressures increase, it’s essential that we have strong community voices at the table to ensure that growth enhances our quality of life rather than diminishes it.

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If elected, I will focus on:

• Promoting responsible development that respects neighborhood character

• Improving walkability, traffic safety, and infrastructure

• Supporting local businesses and vibrant public spaces

• Encouraging transparent decision-making and meaningful community input

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I believe planning works best when it is collaborative. I am committed to listening carefully and making decisions that balance current needs with long-term community benefit. Most importantly, I will be accessible and responsive. I want to hear your concerns, ideas, and vision for our neighborhood’s future.

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Together, we can help ensure our community remains a safe and thriving place for everyone. Thank you for your consideration.

 

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Dawn Anderson —

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My name is Dawn Anderson. I am a resident of the western side of Talmadge, the peninsula just north of Hoover High School. My husband Ron and I are surprisingly the second owners of our home built in 1939. We feel fortunate to have moved into a diverse community that is so welcoming and supportive of each of its neighbors.

 

Since living here, we have raised 2 children (who are young adults now) who attended and graduated from Hoover High School. It was important to us to embrace our community and become involved in it so our children could experience what being part of and contributing to a community looks like. I have been involved in neighborhood watch, the Talmadge Beautification Committee (which became part of TMAD when it was established), volunteered in school classrooms, before- and after-school activities, and school site councils.

 

I am currently a member of the KTPG, the Talmadge Welcoming Committee, and the monthly Kensington-Talmadge Litter Pickers along Fairmount Ave and Aldine Dr. My community involvement and ability to collaborate with people with varied ideas for the good of our whole community are why I feel I am a good candidate for the KTPG.

 

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Cindy Collins —

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My name is Cindy Collins, and I'm seeking re-election to the Kensington Talmadge Planning Group. I've lived in Kensington for 12 years and joined KTPG two years ago after deciding to get involved locally.

 

Serving on the board has been rewarding and eye-opening. I’ve seen residents’ concerns overlooked as developers and politicians push their own agendas, but I admire my fellow KTPG members’ dedication. With a background in a local government Planning and Zoning Department in a municipality just outside Chicago I believe I can continue to bring value to the group.

I ask that you please consider voting for me this year so I can continue to serve the
community and hopefully bring the value of my experience and passion for the
neighborhood. Thank you!

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Henry Escobar —

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Hello, my name is Henry Escobar. I’m a new member of the Talmadge neighborhood, and I would like to have a say in what gets built around here. I went to school and got a Bachelor's degree in constitutional law, so I’m comfortable getting into the weeds of things, which will be a good asset for what comes before the planning group. I work in Education and therefore enjoy learning new things. I served as a temporary Board member of the Linda Vista Planning Group for three months before moving to Talmadge. Hope you can vote for me.

 

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Fernando Garcia —

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I am a Kensington resident with a deep, cross-sector commitment to our neighborhood. With over 20 years in financial services as a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Employee Benefits Specialist, I have helped families and local organizations make sound, well-informed decisions. I also owned and operated a solar company for seven years, gaining hands-on experience in sustainability, energy resilience, and local entrepreneurship. For the past 18 years, I have been a licensed real estate broker, focused on thoughtful development and housing solutions that reflect community needs. 

 

My civic and professional involvement includes active participation in the Kensington-Talmadge Business Association, mentoring for Promises to Kids, and sitting on the San Diego Association of Realtors Housing Opportunity Committee. I previously ran as a candidate for District 9 of the San Diego City Council.

 

I believe my diverse experience, collaborative approach, and deep ties to Kensington position me well to contribute to the Kensington-Talmadge Planning Group as we shape inclusive, sustainable growth that preserves the character and charm of our neighborhood. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can work together.

 

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Cameron Lindsay-Hewett —

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Hello, my name is Cameron Lindsay-Hewett. I am 32 years old and a San Diego native. I’m actively serving in the Navy with more than a decade of continued service, currently serving as an Emergency Room Registered Nurse at Naval Medical Center San Diego. My husband and I have been resident homeowners in Talmadge since 2016. 

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I am the current President of The Talmadge Historical Society, serving as a board member since 2020. I have worked with fellow community volunteers and officials at the city and state level to establish the Talmadge Park Estates Historic District on The National Register of Historic Places.

 

I have also served on the Kensington Talmadge Planning Group for the past two years and truly enjoyed advocating for our community, from historic preservation to community-focused development and the establishment of more public recreational spaces. I am a strong proponent of communities having a say in their future, and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to continue advocating for our community, ensuring our voice remains heard. Thank you. 

 

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David Moty —

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I’m a resident of Talmadge and have served as chair of the Kensington-Talmadge planning group off and on for 11 years.

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I often describe Kensington as a community that works – historic charm, parks, and a robust retail village. Talmadge has its own historic charm and a community spirit few neighborhoods can match, while El Cajon Boulevard is a corridor that is ready for revitalization. My goal is to support walkable, neighborhood-serving retail for Talmadge, while preserving what already works so well for Kensington.

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Our communities are midway through a once-in-a-generation community plan update process. This City’s top-down approach has me concerned. We need the right zoning in the right spots, solutions to our long-standing problems, and a good understanding of how the compounding of the City’s zoning laws impact our community.

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I have participated in over 10 annual updates to the land development code and I understand the connection between regulations, plans, and policies. I have also served as our representative to the citywide Community Planners Committee, composed of 42 planning groups, chairing that board for 3 years. I hope to continue serving on the KTPG and use my knowledge and experience for the benefit of our communities.

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David Pfeifer —

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My name is David Pfeifer. My wife and I are 29-year homeowners in Talmadge and have raised our family in our community. I also am a licensed architect, small business owner, and Principal at an award-winning architectural firm in San Diego. I have also been a teacher and guest lecturer at the New School of Architecture. Over my 39-year career, I have worked extensively with the City of San Diego as a Permit ‘customer’ for our Clients and board member for the Development Services Technical Advisory Committee.

 

In these roles, I have gained an understanding of not only the changes and nuances of the Municipal Code but also can foresee impacts of changes upon our communities – it’s my profession to envision possibilities and impacts.

 

I previously served two terms on the KenTal Board, starting in 2005, and served on the project review committee. I believe that I can serve as a reasonable and professional voice on the Board to help our community translate and assess the impacts of changes proposed by the City that will affect our community. I could be a resource to provide information, so that we all can make informed and value-based decisions. Thank you

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Deborah Sharpe —

 

I have been a resident and property owner in Kensington since 1987. As a founding Board Member of the Kensington-Talmadge Planning Group in 1991, I have served on the Board and various Subcommittees (on-and-off) since its formation. 



 

As a registered Landscape Architect, I was employed by the City of San Diego for 26 years and supervised citywide park planning and development; I retired in 2012. During that time, I co-authored the Recreation Element of the 2008 City General Plan, prepared or participated in specific Recreation Elements for several community plan updates, as well as managed the Capital Improvements Program for park acquisition, design, and construction.

 

In the private sector, my responsibilities included park design and master planning, subdivision planning, and environmental review. 

More recently, I was intimately involved, as a member of a grassroots ad-hoc organization (PARC), in the preparation/creation of the citywide Parks Master Plan, adopted in 2021, by providing written recommendations and giving public testimonies during the planning process on behalf of our community and the city at large. 



 

As an active member of the community for the past 39 years, I have brought my extensive 
landscape architectural and planning experience, within the public and private sectors, to the KTPG Board and Subcommittees, as well as to the citywide Community Planners Committee, to help guide the preservation and development of our community assets, with a focus on maintaining the Kensington-Talmadge quality of life.

 



I would appreciate your support to continue my service to the community. 

Thank you for your Vote! 


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Anthony Simon —

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My name is Anthony Simon and I’ve lived in Talmadge on 44th Street since 2021. I am a biochemist working for BD Biosciences in Sorrento Valley. Ever since coming to San Diego in 2016 to attend SDSU, I have lived in the same 92115 zip code the entire time. I have called the Mid-City my home for all of my adult life. In that time I’ve come to appreciate what it means to be an active, invested participant in the community.

 

In the past five years of living in Talmadge, I have gone from being completely oblivious to local happenings to attending city council member debates, participating in the Mid-City Plan workshops, and helping beautify Talmadge with neighborhood cleanups. I am running to support a vision for Kensington and Talmadge that benefits residents, strengthens local businesses along El Cajon Boulevard and Adams Avenue, and ensures our neighborhoods remain welcoming, connected, and vibrant. I would be honored to earn your support.

 

You can find me walking my Chihuahua-Dachshund, Luna in the morning and evenings, picking up trash with GEM Coffee’s monthly neighborhood cleanup, or grabbing bahn mis from A Chau.
 Thank you for your consideration!

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Stella Stehly —

My name is Stella Stehly. I am co-owner of Stehly Farms Market, located in Kensington. I am a native San Diegan and have been a member of this Community for the past eleven years. I am an active participant in the community, and wish to continue representing the residents and business owners of Kensington on the Kensington and Talmadge Planning Group.

 

As one of the few business owners located in Kensington on the committee, I believe I can offer a unique perspective. I want to continue to work towards a positive representation of our community on the board.

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