San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer on Monday endorsed restaurant entrepreneur and community activist Noli Zosa for the District 7 City Council seat.

“Noli Zosa is a dedicated neighborhood advocate, successful small business owner and problem solver,” said Faulconer. “He has been a strong voice for his community for almost three decades, volunteering on countless local boards and commissions.”

“Whether it’s street repair or housing affordability or homelessness, I’m confident Noli is the right candidate to tackle San Diego’s big issues,” Faulconer added.

Noli, the son of immigrants, is a founding partner of the popular Dirty Birds chain, which will soon open its fifth bar and grill.

“I’m truly honored to have Mayor Faulconer’s support,” said Zosa. “He has done tremendous work in helping San Diego develop modern and innovative solutions to the big issues facing our region. The unifying spirit of his leadership will be felt for many years to come.”

Zosa has also been endorsed by San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore, county Supervisors Dianne Jacob and Jim Desmond, and City Councilmember Chris Cate.

District 7, which stretches from Miramar to Mission Valley, is currently represented by Scott Sherman, who is termed out in 2020.

Among the other candidates in the March 2020 primary are Wendy Wheatcroft, founder of San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention; small business owner David Greco; Deputy City Attorney Raul Campillo; and Tom Keliinoi, a former Qualcomm executive who is now an educator and business owner.

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