Dear District 2 residents,
Earlier this week, the City Council unanimously ratified the Mayor's Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. After many weeks of informational presentations, in-depth discussion, and public testimony, we have a reasonable and balanced budget that includes resources for roads, public safety, and the homeless despite facing a very difficult upcoming budget year.
There were several additions from the Mayor's May Revise and the Independent Budget Analyst's recommendations that I supported, and which were included in the final version of the Budget. Funding was restored for important programs such as SD Access 4 All to ensure that there is WiFi at our public libraries, and the Eviction Protection Program that helps residents on the verge of becoming homeless to remain housed. Programs like CPPS, ACCF, and the Small Business Enhancement Program also received funding, which will allow them to continue supporting local businesses and enhancing arts and culture in our communities.
While discussing the proposed budget, there was a suggestion to reduce Park Ranger staffing for enforcing the Sidewalk Vending Ordinance as a potential cost-saving measure. However, this alteration was not incorporated into the final budget endorsed by the Council. The Sidewalk Vending Ordinance retains its funding, and the enforcement responsibilities, both by Park Rangers and SDPD Officers, will continue as they have been since the amended ordinance took effect earlier this year.
The final budget does include a postponement of hiring for several new Park Ranger positions until January. However, it's important to note that these new positions are associated with Open Space areas and the San Diego River Park, not Shoreline Parks. The Park Rangers assigned to the Shoreline Parks, responsible for enforcing the Sidewalk Vending Ordinance, remain fully funded and unaffected by this hiring delay.
I want to take this time to thank each and every resident who called, emailed, or showed up to provide their feedback on the proposed budget these last few months. Creating a balanced budget is not an easy task, and I appreciate all the residents who shared their priorities with my office to advocate for what was most important to their communities. No budget will ever be perfect, but I am proud of the work that the Mayor and my Council colleagues have put into creating a budget that serves all San Diegans during such a difficult time to do so.
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Councilmember Jennifer Campbell
District 2
San Diego City Council
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Ira Sharp Firearm Dealer Accountability Act
- On June 4th, the City Council voted in favor of the Ira Sharp Firearm Dealer Accountability Act, which amends the procedures the City follows when purchasing firearms for law enforcement agencies and other public entities. Gun violence in San Diego County is on the rise, and the City must take all steps possible to ensure that we are only working with firearms and ammunitions manufacturers that are in compliance with all local, state, and federal laws in an effort to reduce gun violence and stop firearms from falling into the wrong hands.
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Resolution Acknowledging That San Diego Sits on Unceded Native Land
- On June 10th, the City Council passed a resolution acknowledging that the City of San Diego sits on the unceded ancestral land of the Kumeyaay people. Land acknowledgements are a way to honor the Indigenous people who have lived on this land for thousands of years, and to recognize that the land was not willfully given, but taken from the Indigenous people during the colonization of this country. The City Council will now include a land acknowledgement in its official meeting agendas and public ceremonies.
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Honoring Outgoing SDPD Chief David Nisleit
- On June 4th, the City Council recognized outgoing SDPD Chief David Nisleit for his 36 years of service to the City of San Diego. Chief Nisleit led SDPD through some of the most unprecedented times in our city's history, and he did so with great strength and grace. I am especially grateful for his work with the Safe Place Program to protect the LGBTQ+ community. San Diego is America's safest big city, thanks to the leadership of Chief Nisleit. I want to thank him for his steadfast service to the residents of San Diego and I wish him all the best in his retirement.
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Press Conference on Investments to Address Homelessness
- Thank you to Mayor Gloria for continuing to prioritize finding ways to address the homelessness crisis in San Diego. The courts have spoken and the law is clear - we MUST provide a safe place for homeless people to go and access services. The FY25 Budget has allocated resources to expand programs like our Safe Parking Program, which has proven to be one of our most successful homelessness programs at helping people find permanent housing.
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EPA Announces $37 Million for Stormwater Repairs in South Mission Beach
- On June 12th, representatives from the federal government visited San Diego to announce a $37 million investment for Stormwater repairs in south Mission Beach. Residents there regularly experience flooding in their incredibly dense neighborhood because the storm drain system has not been upgraded in nearly 80 years. This money will help upgrade their drainage system, which will reduce flood risk and improve water quality. This loan is in addition to $235 million San Diego received for improvements to the Chollas Creek Watershed in southeastern San Diego.
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Deputy Fire Chief Robert Logan II Selected as City's 19th Fire-Rescue Chief
- Mayor Gloria has selected Deputy Fire Chief Robert Logan to serve as San Diego's next Fire-Rescue Chief, following an extensive three-month search. Deputy Chief Logan was born and raised in San Diego, and began his work with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department in 1999 as an Emergency Medical Technician. He has held various positions within the Department, from Firefighter to Captain to Battalion Chief and now Deputy Fire Chief. Current Chief Stowell will retire in August, and the City Council will hold a confirmation hearing in July to consider the appointment of Deputy Chief Logan.
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Coastal Resilience Master Plan Community Workshops
- The City's Planning Department is developing a Coastal Resilience Master Plan to mitigate risk from sea level rise and support access to the coast and recreational activities. The City will hold two community workshops to share information about the project and gather feedback from the community on draft designs for each of the sites. For those unable to attend the workshops, there is an online survey and opportunity to review the proposed project concepts.
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Unclaimed Monies Report
- According to the City of San Diego's Unclaimed Monies Report, over 600 businesses and individuals may be owed money by the City. When the City sends a check to a resident or business, they attempt to send it to all addresses on record. However, if a check is returned due to address issues or it is not cashed within six months, it becomes unclaimed money, and the City must work to return the funds to their rightful owners. If you believe this could apply to you, click the button below to review the Unclaimed Monies Report, which is updated quarterly, and file a claim.
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Have a question or need assistance from the City? Contact your respective Community Representative from my Office:
- Manuel Reyes: Community Representative for Ocean Beach, Old Town, and South Clairemont (South of Balboa Ave.)
- Carrie Munson: Community Representative for North Clairemont (North of Balboa Ave.) and Mission Bay Park
- Seamus Kennedy: Community Representative for Mission Beach
- Margaret Doyle: Community Representative for Point Loma and Midway
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If you need assistance with non-emergency community concerns, please use the Get It Done App or you can call my office or email me directly.
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Office of Councilmember
Jennifer Campbell
City Administration Building
202 "C" Street, 10th Floor
San Diego, CA 92101
619-236-6622
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