San Diego's 8th Council District is a distinct and diverse area, characterized by its unique geography, strong Latino community, and specific socioeconomic factors. The district encompasses a mix of urban and suburban neighborhoods, including Barrio Logan, parts of Downtown, Otay Mesa, Otay Mesa-Nestor, San Ysidro, and the Tijuana River Valley, among others.

One of the key features of this district is its substantial Latino population, which plays a significant role in shaping the district's cultural and demographic landscape. The district is designed to respect and not dilute this Latino voting population, ensuring fair representation. The new District 8 includes a population that is predominantly Latino, along with other ethnic groups, reflecting the area's diversity.

Neighborhoods such as Barrio Logan, Logan Heights, Sherman Heights, Grant Hill, and parts of Downtown, including the 10th Avenue terminal area, form the Historic Barrio District. This area is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, especially to the Latino community. The inclusion of the 10th Avenue terminal area, driven by community requests, highlights concerns related to traffic, pollution, and environmental impacts affecting Barrio Logan.

The South Bay communities, including Otay Mesa, Otay Mesa-Nestor, and San Ysidro, are kept together due to shared socioeconomic factors and communities of interest. These areas are characterized by their suburban feel and proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border, which influences local dynamics.

In order to balance the population, the Commission joined the South Bay with a portion of the city to the north and included neighborhoods like Shelltown and Southcrest. The addition of Southcrest, moved from District 9, was in response to community testimony.

The district's boundaries are defined by natural boundaries like State Route 94 and the city limits. The San Diego Bay corridor between Imperial Beach and Chula Vista connects the southern and northern parts of the district, reflecting its unique geographic configuration.

Overall, District 8 is a geographically compact area to the extent possible, considering the need to bypass the population of other cities to connect its southern and northern portions. The district's layout and community interests reflect a cohesive urban and suburban experience within San Diego, balancing residential living with cultural heritage and socioeconomic considerations.