Candidates in the race for San Diego’s next mayor spent the final weekend before Tuesday’s election hitting the streets.
City Councilmembers David Alvarez and Kevin Faulconer spread across San Diego with their respective teams to convince voters of their qualifications.
Faulconer began the weekend at a "Get Out the Vote" rally at his campaign headquarters near Bay Park and later met with contractors at Johnson Maintenance in Encanto. Saturday evening, he is slated to attend the People’s Ball Coronation XLII in University Heights.
Meanwhile, Alvarez spent Saturday at a precinct walk launch at the Parkside Neighborhood Park, a similar event in San Ysidro, a Chinese New Year celebration in the Gaslamp Quarter and a volunteer "thank you" event in Encanto. He wrapped up the day at the University Heights Open Aire Market.
While meeting with voters, both candidates touted their share of endorsements from local and national figures.
“We are hitting our stride at the right time, and people are seeing that San Diego needs leadership that reflects the values of everybody, not just a few,” said Alvarez.
“My opponent's had a lot of politicians from out of state come in. I have San Diegans that are supporting my campaign,” said Faulconer.
Just days away from the election, the candidates are going grassroots, calculating their strategies down to the last minute.
Faulconer emphasized the importance of making a personal connection.
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“When you talk to voters at their home or when you talk to them over the phone, that's what makes the difference; that's where our focus has been,” Faulconer said.
Alvarez is depending on the same strategy as they get down to the wire.
“We have several volunteers we're fanning out across the whole city -- very positive, a lot of energy -- and we're gonna be knocking on thousands of doors today,” said Alvarez.
Both Alvarez and Faulconer earned their way into San Diego’s runoff election by garnering the most votes in the initial special election in November, following the resignation of disgraced former Mayor Bob Filner. However, neither was able to get a voting majority and seal a victory.
The runoff election will be Feb. 11.
