CAMPBELL CHRONICLES

February 21, 2025
 

Dear District 2 residents,

 

Last week, the City Council evaluated several alternative homeless shelter sites that will add more beds to the City's shelter network, after it was announced that the proposed 1000-bed shelter at Kettner & Vine is no longer moving forward. Ultimately, the Council voted to explore the following options:

  • Determine the possibility of utilizing a privately-owned property on 2nd Avenue for shelter space.
  • Increase the number of beds available at the Veterans Village campus in Midway, which primarily serves homeless veterans, single adults, and seniors.
  • Determine the possibility of redeveloping the Old Central Library in Downtown under the Surplus Land Act, which has been vacant for years.

On February 14, the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) unanimously approved a new 210-bed shelter in conjunction with Catholic Charities of San Diego for women, families, and seniors located in Downtown. The new Rachel's Promise Center for Women and Children is scheduled to open in March for the program's first phase, and the second phase will add 160 more beds starting in Fiscal Year 2026.

 

Additionally, the City's Safe Parking Program will nearly double its capacity this spring with the opening of the overnight-only Safe Parking site at the former H-Barracks. The Safe Parking Program has proven to be one of our most successful homelessness programs because many participants are able to find permanent housing with the help of on-site case managers and housing navigators.

 

Addressing the homelessness crisis is my top priority, and I am grateful to Mayor Gloria, the SDHC, and our dedicated Homeless Strategies and Solutions Department for their steadfast commitment to expanding shelter capacity and services so that we can continue to get people off the streets and into safe, permanent housing.

Sincerely,

Councilmember Jennifer Campbell
District 2
San Diego City Council
 

Short-Term Residential Occupancy Program Application & License Fee

On February 11, the City Council unanimously approved the proposed fee increases for the city's Short Term Residential Occupancy (STRO) program application and licenses. Under California law, cities can only charge fees up to covering the cost of their programs. Our projections show that with the new fees, the STRO program will be 99.9% cost-recoverable over the next two years, ensuring that the City is in compliance with state law and the program is fair, transparent, and accountable.

 

Jerry Sanders Day

On February 11, the City Council recognized the outgoing President and CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Jerry Sanders, in his retirement after 12 years with the Chamber and an over 50 year career in public service. Jerry started his incredible career with SDPD, rising all the way to becoming Chief of Police. He served as San Diego's Mayor between 2005 and 2013, and was named the President and CEO of the Chamber after the end of his second term. During his career, he led other charitable causes such as the United Way of San Diego and the American Red Cross San Diego chapter. Jerry has always been a champion of equal rights for all people trying to achieve the American dream, and I want to thank him for everything he has done for this city.
 

San Diego County Air Pollution Control District Governing Board Meeting

Last week, I was sworn in as a member of the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District Governing Board. This board works to improve air quality in San Diego County. As a family physician and a longtime member of the City's Environment Committee, I am excited to leverage my expertise and knowledge to ensure there is clean air for all San Diegans. I am especially eager to get to work on addressing the Tijuana River Valley sewage crisis that is plaguing our communities.
 

Midway Rising On-Site Tour

Thank you to the Midway Rising team for taking the time to update my office and the office of the Independent Budget Analyst about the progress of the redevelopment of the nearly 50-acre property owned by the City in Midway, which includes the Sports Arena property. This project will provide a new sports/entertainment arena, over 4000 housing units - half of which will be affordable - and many new parks and retail opportunities in the Midway District. I look forward to the day when we can break ground on this project and begin constructing what will be California's largest affordable housing project to-date.
 

Point Loma Coffee With A Cop - February 27

Join San Diego Police Officers from Western Division for "Coffee With A Cop" on Thursday, February 27 at 9:30am at the Starbucks located at 2556 Laning Road in Point Loma. This is a casual, fun way to get to know local officers, including your new Community Relations Officers, Officers Harris and Adamek, their Lieutenant, Lieutenant Turner, and their Captain, Captain Dobbs.
 

SDPD Community & Youth Services Division

Under the leadership of Chief Scott Wahl, the San Diego Police Department added two citywide Community Engagement Officers specifically dedicated to enhancing community and youth engagement, called the Community & Youth Services Division. The two new Community Engagement Officers are Officer Hilton Williams (hmwilliams@pd.sandiego.gov) and Officer Omar Luzuriaga (oluzuriaga@pd.sandiego.gov).
 

Next Phase of Traffic Control on Clairemont Drive for Pure Water SD

Beginning February 24, crews will begin work to locate underground utilities along the project's pipeline in Bay Park. Work will be occurring on Chicago St., Ingulf St., Jellett St., Denver St., and Milton St. Minor traffic and street parking impacts are expected during the work. This phase of work is estimated to last approximately three weeks. This schedule is subject to change. For your safety, please follow all posted signage.
 

Normal Street Promenade Groundbreaking

Over the weekend, my LGBTQ Liaison joined LGBTQ+ community leaders at the Normal Street Promenade groundbreaking ceremony in Hillcrest. This long awaited promenade includes the expansion of the Pride Plaza into a linear public park with a restored trolley car café, decorative elements, a playground, and parking for visitors.
 

San Diego Foundation National Rainbow College Fund

The San Diego Foundation has launched the National Rainbow College Fund (NCRF) in California - the first scholarship designed to exclusively support LGBTQ+ students pursuing higher education. The NCRF aims to ease the financial burden of accessing higher education while dealing with some of the challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community. Each awardee will receive $2500 that can be used for tuition, books, fees, room and board, and other educational expenses. The application period is from January 15, 2025 - March 5, 2025. To apply, click the button below.
 

PFLAG San Diego County LGBTQ+ Scholarships

PFLAG San Diego County is offering 22 scholarships to LGBTQ+ seniors in high school, undergraduate, and graduate school who reside in San Diego County based on their commitment to their chosen field, financial need, and academic achievement. In addition to general scholarships, there are specific scholarships offered in the following areas: STEM, Art, Education, Health Services, Community College, and Vocational Studies. The application deadline is March 15. To learn more or apply for a scholarship, click the button below.
 

City's Street Design Manual Update

The City's updated Street Design Manual is now out for public review and comment! The Manual addresses the many aspects of modern streets that will serve the needs of all users, such as pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders. To view the Streets Design Manual and submit your comments, click the button below.
 

City of San Diego Measure B Trash Study Round 3 - POSTPONED

The City is considering enhanced trash collection services and new fees, as per Measure B passed by the voters in 2022, and is asking for your feedback on the proposal. The meeting initially scheduled for February 18 has been postponed, but you can take the online questionnaire by clicking the button below, or visit the project website to see the latest updates.
 

Have a question or need assistance from the City? Contact your respective Community Representative from my Office:
 

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.

Office of Councilmember
Jennifer Campbell
City Administration Building
202 "C" Street, 10th Floor
San Diego, CA 92101

 

619-236-6622