“Living In The City” is The San Diego Sun’s feature Q&A with downtown San Diego residents. It’s a way to get to know the city by meeting the people who live here. This is number 46 in an ongoing series.
Name: Tricia Moore
Residence: Parkloft in East Village
Personal deets: Born in Temecula. I’ve lived all over San Diego County. At 19, I became a manager at Nordstrom in the former Horton Plaza. I commuted from Temecula but felt like I owned the city. In 2018, I rented at ALX Apartments and loved it, and purchased my Parkloft condo in December 2021.
Why downtown: It’s home. In my early memories of coming to the Gaslamp Quarter, this was the place to be. I was married for 16 years and my ex-husband never wanted to live in the city. I purchased several properties here, hoping he would change his mind (sold them in the early 2000s). We toured Parkloft when it was being built and he said “Absolutely not.” We’re still friends. When we divorced, I told him I was going to move here and he said, “It makes sense, you’ve always loved it there.” I used to attend city planning meetings before I lived downtown. I just loved the city. I jog on Sixth Avenue three days a week–and to me it’s still the same Sixth Avenue from the ’90s.
Work deets: I’m a residential loan officer. Been involved in residential real estate in various capacities since 1996. I also teach financial literacy through Junior Achievement to at-risk youth and adults.
Working from home: I do it sometimes, but I like being in the office. I’m up at 4:30/5 a.m., walk my dog, run or hit the gym and start by 9-ish. I read financial and political news to start the day. Not much for mediation or journaling in the morning.
Pets: A sweet little Cairn Terrier named Ozzie. He goes with me pretty much everywhere and prefers to be off leash. He’s 8.5 years old and a bit saltier than when he was a puppy, and I love it. He’s my buddy. Ozzie knows it’s just us and he makes sure we are protected.
Best aspect of your building: My neighbors are life-changing, loving people. The people in Parkloft are kind, intelligent and supportive.
Worst aspect of your building: The loss of the “Park at the Park” (Gallagher Square Park, next to Petco Park is currently under reconstruction).
Why live downtown: The electric engagement. Friends everywhere. Good energy. Ozzie also has friends in the neighborhood. And, I recently sold my car. I’m digging the trolley and riding my bike everywhere. Not to mention the savings. It’s not a forever decision, but one you can play with while living in the city.
Worst part of downtown: The allowance of human suffering on our streets. When you see homelessness so frequently it changes you. Some people become more intolerant of the unhoused. I have become more intolerant of the political inefficiencies that promote and allow it. Yes, promote. The current system is broken. Millions have been spent but how much actually gets to the unhoused community members? No one knows. There’s no accounting. The administrators are well paid, though.
Listening to: Spotify. I like Housing Wire, Real Trends, Barron’s, and EDM music. Yes EDM.
My coffee shop: Hinar on Thirteenth Street. Super chill vibes, in an old historic house with micro studios in the back.
Dinner fave: Happy Hour at Cowboy Star. Yummy! I eat anything and everything on the Happy Hour menu…and the desserts. So good. You don’t hear much about the desserts, but the tiramisu is legit.
Best bar: There’s a good energy in Neighborhood. Super-nice team and a killer owner.
Totally take-out: Poke Vida. Customized poke bowls any way you want. Extra spicy tuna, please.
Parking advice: Don’t believe the hype. Get down here and keep an open mind.
Funniest moment(s): Taking the trolley and talking with folks I would have never met. I hear stories that are hilarious.
Scariest moment: I saw a man follow a girl and she was afraid and didn’t know what to do. I jumped into a conversation, acting like I knew her. She knew I was there to help and we got her out of there.
Favorite memories: I love seeing all the outfits during Comic Con. I also like the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade.
Padres: The best games were during the 2022 winning season. I love the joy of support. This year…
Areas to avoid: Anything east of Fifteenth Street. Sadly, you just don’t go there.
Mayor Todd Gloria: Our leaders have failed us. I would like a full accounting of the funds being spent on the unhoused situation. Transparency, coordination, planning and ethics are lacking. Encourage law enforcement to enforce the laws on the books–like the illegal vending ordinance. And, why did our mayor visit Asia? What did the city get out of that visit? Meanwhile, Target exits stage left. Watching Todd Gloria govern is like being in a dysfunctional relationship. They tell you everything is going well but you see and experience otherwise.
District 3 City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn: He’s in a tough spot–straddling the needs of a community and a mayor who doesn’t appear to place the needs of the city top of mind. Whitburn has good talking points. That’s a politician for you.
Common sense: If we’re serious about climate goals, why are we charging San Diegans $550 for a permit to install an EV charger?
Parting advice: Go to Balboa Park and find the unexplored trails. This city is a shining jewel. We can’t take it for granted. SDSun
