Transform the Trail
A Power Up
Real World
ProgramOUTH IN ACTION
Transform the Trail
Phase One: See. Question. Understand. Choose.
Sometimes making a difference begins with noticing something others may have overlooked.
Transform the Trail began when we learned about the neglected walking trail in Encanto, near the post office. The trail had been planned years earlier, but its condition and accessibility raised questions about what had happened and what might still be possible.
We began by looking more closely, listening, asking questions, and learning about the people, places, and circumstances involved.
See the Possibilities
We explored the trail and its place in the community. We wanted to understand what existed, what had changed, and what the trail might mean for the surrounding neighborhood.
We weren’t just looking at a path. We were looking at a community resource and asking what might be possible.
Ask Questions
What had been planned? What had happened? Who knew the history? What could we learn about the trail and the challenges surrounding it?
As we explored, we realized that answering those questions would take more than looking at the trail ourselves. We needed information, different perspectives, and help from people with relevant knowledge and skills.
Understand Through Connections
One important connection began with an everyday conversation.
Sandra met a local professional and his wife at a line-dancing class and learned about his company, Spatial Perspective Group LLC, which provides aerial mapping and business solutions.
That conversation led to an opportunity to connect the professional’s expertise with STEM students and a real community concern.
Working together, they used drone photography to document the trail. Students had the opportunity to work with specialized technology, and some operated the drones under the appropriate arrangements.
The effort brought together community knowledge, professional expertise, young people’s curiosity, and technology.
It also gave students an opportunity to see how skills they were learning could be used to investigate a real-world issue.
A conversation opened a door. A connection created an opportunity. Young people got to learn by doing.
Choose a Direction
As we learned more, we also discovered that the situation was more complicated than it first appeared.
Access along the planned route was blocked, changing what seemed possible and raising new questions about the trail’s future.
We had reached an important point: we had learned more, documented what we could, and identified challenges that required further investigation.
The next step wasn’t to pretend we had all the answers. It was to ask another question.
What do we know now? What do we still need to learn? Who else should be part of the conversation?
Phase One Is Not the End
Transform the Trail taught us that community improvement takes more than a good idea. It takes listening, research, relationships, collaboration, and a willingness to adjust when new information changes what we understand.
We also saw what can happen when people bring different strengths to the same effort: residents who know their community, young people ready to learn, professionals willing to share their expertise, and partners who can help open doors.
We haven’t answered every question about the trail. That’s why we are continuing to learn.
Phase One brought us to our next question.
Who else should we talk with? What additional information do we need? What possibilities haven’t we considered?
Those questions will help guide whatever comes next.
What Young People Can Learn from This
You can begin with something you notice in your own community.
Asking questions can reveal that a problem is more complicated than it first appears.
You don’t have to possess every skill yourself. You can connect with people who know more about a particular subject.
Technology can help people investigate real-world concerns.
When new information changes your understanding, you can change your approach.
A project doesn’t have to be finished to produce meaningful learning.
See. Question. Understand. Choose. Then ask another question.
That’s how learning leads to action—and how action can lead to new possibilities.
Power Up With YOUth. It’s your world, too.
The Present: The 1 mile stretch from Valencia Business Park (site of the 92114 Earl B. Gilliam Post Office) to Market Creek Plaza is dangerous to residents and visitors. Overgrown vegetation, debris, and broken fences that create access points from the walking trail to the creek. The area recently experienced a fire believed to have been caused by the unhoused people living in that portion of the creek and on the trail.
The Power Up With YOUth organization is undertaking a Transform the Trail initiative designed to empower students age 10-17 to engage in hands on restoration and revitalization of the trail and the Encanto section of Chollas Creek.
We have formed partnerships with 4th District Councilmember Henry Foster, 8 SDUSD schools, the MTM Earth Lab, the Elementary Institute of Science, The San Diego Organizing Project, Groundwork San Diego and the San Diego Energy Equity Center …….and we’re adding more partners every day. Come join us!
Together we will propose enhancements to the creek and the trail that will promote healthy lifestyles, highlight Encanto's culture, implement and maintain a sustainable energy efficient landscape, and stimulate economic growth.
Mission: develop a strategy to transform the Encanto Walking Trail from its present life as a dangerous trail to realize its potential as a community treasure.
Vision : Create a sustainable and healthy exercise, recreation, commuting and cultural space reflective of community desires and tourists interests.
It’s a win-win
The benefits to our residents
- better health and well-being - Preserve our Identity
- promote our culture and our history - Build unity
- Educate and inspire - Boost Local Pride
- Attract investment - Attract visitors
The benefits to our leaders :
- enhanced credibility and trust - serving community needs
- community collaboration - stronger relationships
- attract resources and support - prove effective leadership
- drive long term positive change - fulfillment and accomplishment
- community gratitude - inspiring future leaders
- personal growth
The benefits to our students and youth
- honor the legacy of past leaders
- learn firsthand how government works
- have a real-world lesson in the power of civic engagement
- create their own legacy
- develop and implement a strategy for change NOW
- level up their life skills, standards, confidence, resilience,
connections and impact
- discover their passions and their purpose
The benefits to our supporters
- improve your visibility
- Enhance your reputation and relationships
- Design and resource the transformation
- Collaborate with the like minded
- Expand your network
- Mentor and develop leaders
- Be recognized and promoted
- Contribute to community well- being
Join us and help shape the futu