beautifulPB's New Co-Presidents Aim to Boost Community Engagement

Jessica Sportelli and David Cuthell are focused on sustainability, mobility, and arts initiatives to enhance Pacific Beach's neighborhood character.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:18pm

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Jessica Sportelli and David Cuthell, the new co-presidents of the community organization beautifulPB, are dedicated to driving initiatives that promote sustainability, mobility, and the arts in the Pacific Beach neighborhood of San Diego. With backgrounds in marine biology, technology, and urban planning, the co-presidents are working to transform underutilized spaces, improve traffic safety, and activate community involvement.

Why it matters

As Pacific Beach faces challenges common to many urban neighborhoods, such as gentrification and development pressures, the work of beautifulPB under Sportelli and Cuthell's leadership aims to preserve the area's iconic character and community-oriented spirit. Their focus on green spaces, mobility, and the arts reflects a holistic approach to enhancing livability and fostering a stronger sense of belonging among Pacific Beach residents.

The details

Sportelli first got involved with beautifulPB when she advocated for incorporating green infrastructure into a new traffic roundabout in the neighborhood. Though her initial proposal was not implemented, it inspired her to join the organization's board and eventually become co-president. Cuthell, a technology consultant, was drawn to beautifulPB through his interest in the group's PB Pathways program, which aims to improve cyclist and pedestrian safety. As co-presidents, Sportelli and Cuthell are now working on initiatives like transforming a former YMCA building into a community arts hub and collaborating with the city to implement a new speed management plan for residential areas.

  • Sportelli moved to North Pacific Beach about two and a half years ago.
  • Cuthell moved to Pacific Beach in 2024.
  • Sportelli became a beautifulPB board member six months after first getting involved with the organization.
  • Sportelli and Cuthell began their co-presidency in 2026.

The players

Jessica Sportelli

A marine biologist who works with a non-profit in Point Loma and is the co-president of beautifulPB.

David Cuthell

A technology consultant who is the co-president of beautifulPB and the director of the organization's Green Spaces and Sustainability pillar.

beautifulPB

A community organization in Pacific Beach, San Diego that focuses on initiatives related to arts, green sustainability, and mobility.

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What they’re saying

“I have lived in North PB for about two and a half years. My background is in marine biology, and I work with a non-profit in Point Loma. I joined beautifulPB when the roundabout at Foothill Drive and Loring Boulevard was being constructed. I was hopeful that the roundabout would be completed with a beautiful green space in the center, a space that would also serve as a natural solution to water runoff and local climate cooling, but after reaching out to the city's engineers I was dismayed to learn that no green infrastructure was going to be included.”

— Jessica Sportelli, Co-President, beautifulPB

“As someone who grew up around New York City, I've seen challenges that urban expansion and gentrification can bring to smaller communities. I aim to bring that perspective to help shape a PB that is economically vibrant, has accessible natural spaces, capitalizes on its advantages in mobility and maintains the neighborhood character that makes it such a special place to live in.”

— David Cuthell, Co-President, beautifulPB

What’s next

beautifulPB is working to transform a former YMCA building into a community arts hub, with plans for classes, lectures, a learning kitchen, afterschool programming, and a community garden. The organization is also collaborating with the city to implement a new speed management plan to improve traffic safety in residential and walkable areas of Pacific Beach.

The takeaway

Under the leadership of Jessica Sportelli and David Cuthell, beautifulPB is taking a holistic approach to enhancing the livability and community spirit of Pacific Beach. By focusing on sustainability, mobility, and the arts, the co-presidents aim to preserve the neighborhood's iconic character and foster a stronger sense of belonging among residents in the face of urban challenges.