Media Contact: LCI.press@lci.ca.gov
SAN DIEGO (9/3/26) – Today, the California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) joined Casa Familiar, local leaders and community members to celebrate the ribbon cutting for La Semilla Climate Resiliency Center (CRC), an innovation incubator that will serve as the launchpad of a neighborhood-scale environmental justice and climate resiliency readiness effort in the heart of the San Ysidro community.
The project, funded by $8.5 million from SGC’s Community Resilience Centers Program, developed a community center from a vacant 7,000-square-foot lot in the heart of the San Ysidro Historic Village.
“From a vacant lot to a hub for community climate resilience and innovation – La Semilla embodies the Strategic Growth Council’s mission to support thriving communities across California,” said Samuel Assefa, Director of the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation and Chair of SGC. “This community located at the center of one of the busiest border crossings in the world has planted seeds of hope, resilience and empowerment that will benefit people for generations to come.”
Guided by design engagement with residents, La Semilla CRC demonstrates climate-resilient, affordable, low-maintenance construction methods and urban farming techniques that neighbors can adopt to improve air quality, provide food, reduce energy and conserve water.
It is named La Semilla — “the seed” in English — in reference to “the potential catalyzing environmental justice efforts and interventions that can sprout from the project.”
“Today’s ribbon cutting represents what is possible when residents help shape the future of their community,” said Lisa Cuestas, CEO of Casa Familiar. “La Semilla will provide San Ysidro families with a trusted place to access resources, prepare for emergencies and take part in practical, community-led solutions to the environmental challenges affecting our neighborhood.”
The San Ysidro Port of Entry is the busiest land border crossing in the world, with about 70,000 northbound vehicles and 20,000 pedestrians each day. Constant idling and heavy congestion next to residential areas have made San Ysidro one of the most pollution‑burdened communities in California. According to CalEnviroScreen, it ranks in the 100th percentile for traffic‑related impacts, higher than any other area in the state.
There are five sites that comprise La Semilla campus:
- La Estancia is the main facility to house services and programming and act as a community hub and cooling zone during emergencies.
- The Food Forest is a community garden, offering educational opportunities to residents and support to local food systems.
- El Nido will showcase resiliency features and provide sustainability/resiliency programming.
- Cypress Plaza will serve as an outdoor gathering place.
- The electric vehicle (EV) charging station to encourage zero-emission transportation.
Key climate resiliency elements include:
- Solar energy generation and storage to offset 100% of electricity usage.
- No natural gas on-site so all appliances are electric, powered by on-site solar energy.
- Landscaping produces food, along with air pollution filtration plants.
- An EV charging station hub, which is the only charging station in the neighborhood.
- A community micro-mobility hub, including an EV circulator and e-bike share program.
- Stormwater will be captured on site for reuse.
- Construction used cross-laminated timber (CLT) wood, a low-impact material with a much lower carbon footprint.
Construction of the project also prioritized employment for the South Bay workforce.
About the Community Resilience Centers Program (CRC)
SGC’s Community Resilience Centers (CRC) Program funds new construction and upgrades of neighborhood-level resilience centers to provide shelter and resources during climate and other emergencies. The program will also fund year-round services and ongoing programming that build overall community resilience.
CRC Round 2’s application period is currently open, with the next grants expected to be recommended for awards in spring 2027.
About the California Strategic Growth Council
The 10 distinguished members of the SGC include state-agency heads and three appointed public members. The Director of the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation acts as its chair.
The council works collaboratively with public agencies, communities, and stakeholders to achieve sustainability, equity, economic prosperity, and quality of life for all Californians. SGC’s collaborative structure helps state agencies prioritize and uplift community voices into decision-making around the types of projects and resources that receive state climate resilience funds.