SAN DIEGO -- John Greenwell says that volunteering and giving back nurture his soul. As such, he participates in numerous organizations both in and out of the LGBT community that help those in need.

The 33-year-old seems to never have a day off. If he's not working, he's participating in a community service project, or in meetings helping to plan ways to make the world a better place, or learning how to be a better leader. As a schoolteacher, Greenwell is also able to instill his sense of service in the students whose lives he touches everyday.

SAN DIEGO -- In an effort to end homelessness in San Diego, City Council President Todd Gloria, along with the Downtown San Diego Partnership and other advocates of ending homelessness, on Valentine’s Day will raise awareness and encourage use of the red donation stations placed throughout downtown.

These donation stations help fund move-in kits to homeless individuals and families — helping to end homelessness in San Diego.

Christopher Grant Contreras is one of the many people who are actively engaged in San Diego's LGBT community, participating in community organizations and using his successful business to help give back.

As owner of Chris Contreras Insurance Agency as a Farmers Insurance Agent, Contreras enjoys participating in organizations like the San Diego Gay Men's Chorus, and GSDBA, while regularly donating his professional services to benefit these groups and others.

SAN DIEGO -- In an effort to make it easier for San Diego restaurants to create sidewalk cafes, some members of the San Diego City Council joined with the San Diego Chapter of the California Restaurant Association (CRA) to pledge to reform the costly, prohibitive regulations that make doing business difficult for local restaurants.

Councilmembers Lorie Zapf and Kevin Faulconer, along with Council President Todd Gloria announced their plans at an event Thursday outside of the OB Noodle House restaurant.