GARY’S PLANS
Parkway Plaza
Public safety
Traffic
Homelessness
Protecting the community
Gary’s AccomplishmentsParkway Plaza
“Parkway Plaza has been the heart of El Cajon for generations. Our vision is to transform it into a vibrant lifestyle center that brings our community together. a place where families can shop, dine, gather, and create memories for decades to come.”
- El Cajon City Councilman Gary Kendrick
The transformation of Parkway Plaza represents a bold step forward for El Cajon's economic future. Councilman Kendrick is working alongside developers and community stakeholders to reimagine this iconic shopping destination as a modern lifestyle center that reflects the evolving needs of our residents.
The redesigned plaza will blend retail with entertainment, dining, and community gathering spaces, creating a destination that serves as both an economic engine and a social hub.
This project will attract new businesses, create jobs, and ensure that Parkway Plaza remains a cornerstone of our city's identity while meeting the expectations of 21st-century shoppers and families.
Public Safety
"Public safety isn't just about more officers on the street, it's about being smarter with technology. By deploying AI and drones in areas our first responders can't easily reach, we're extending our protective umbrella across every corner of El Cajon."
- El Cajon City Councilman Gary Kendrick
Councilman Kendrick is championing the integration of cutting-edge technology into El Cajon's public safety infrastructure.
By leveraging artificial intelligence and drone technology, the city can monitor and respond to emergencies in remote canyons, rugged terrain, and other inaccessible areas where traditional patrols are impractical.
These innovations enable faster response times during search and rescue operations, provide real-time situational awareness during natural disasters, and deter criminal activity in vulnerable locations.
This forward-thinking approach ensures that El Cajon remains at the forefront of public safety while maximizing the effectiveness of our emergency services without significantly expanding budgets.
Traffic
"I hear your frustrations about traffic every single day, and I'm listening. That's why we're bringing the conversation directly to you through town halls—because the best solutions come from the people who drive these streets."
- El Cajon City Councilman Gary Kendrick
Traffic congestion has become one of the most pressing quality-of-life issues facing El Cajon residents.
Councilman Kendrick has prioritized addressing this challenge head-on by organizing community town halls where residents can voice their concerns, share their daily experiences, and contribute ideas for meaningful solutions.
These forums create a direct line of communication between city leadership and the community, ensuring that traffic mitigation strategies reflect real-world needs rather than just data on a spreadsheet.
From improved signal timing and road infrastructure to exploring alternative transportation options, Kendrick is committed to reducing commute times and making El Cajon's streets safer and more efficient for everyone.
HOMESLESSNESS
"Every person deserves dignity and a safe place to call home. Our approach to homelessness isn't about quick fixes, it's about connecting our unhoused neighbors with the housing and services they need to rebuild their lives."
- El Cajon City Councilman Gary Kendrick
Councilman Kendrick recognizes that homelessness is both a humanitarian crisis and a complex challenge requiring compassionate, sustainable solutions.
His strategy focuses on securing permanent and transitional housing for El Cajon's unhoused population while connecting individuals with mental health services, job training, and substance abuse treatment.
By partnering with county agencies, nonprofit organizations, and housing developers, Kendrick is working to expand the availability of supportive housing options and streamline access to resources.
The goal is to provide comprehensive pathways out of homelessness—addressing root causes while improving public spaces for all residents.
Protecting the Community
"Our churches and schools are sanctuaries; places where families should feel safe; where children should learn without fear; and where everyone deserves dignity and protection. I stand firmly against any Immigration enforcement actions that threaten these sacred spaces."
- El Cajon City Councilman Gary Kendrick
Councilman Kendrick is committed to ensuring that El Cajon's schools and houses of worship remain safe havens for all community members, regardless of immigration status.
He opposes immigration enforcement operations in and around churches, schools, and other sensitive community locations, recognizing that fear of deportation prevents families from accessing essential services, keeps children out of classrooms, and undermines the trust between residents and local government.
Kendrick believes that local law enforcement resources should focus on public safety — not federal immigration enforcement — and that no parent should have to choose between their child's education and their family's security.
By advocating for policies that protect these community anchors, he is working to ensure that every El Cajon resident can worship freely, that every child can attend school safely, and that our community remains united rather than divided by fear.
