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A Message from Stephen

Dear Neighbor,

 

 

I’m pleased to share this month’s newsletter with updates on the work we’re doing together to strengthen our communities. From improving neighborhood safety to expanding shelter and addressing homelessness, I remain focused on the issues that many of you have asked me to prioritize. 

 

This past month, I was pleased to advance our Safe Streets goals by passing an ordinance that will allow the City to lower speed limits in areas where pedestrians and cyclists are most vulnerable. Slower streets save lives—and this is another step forward in creating neighborhoods where everyone feels safe walking, biking, and driving.

 

I also want to thank all of you who supported the honorary street naming of Lucky Lane. This special tribute reflects the spirit of inclusion and celebration that defines our district, and I’m grateful to the community members who helped make it happen.

 

Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

 

 

Yours in service,

 

Stephen

 

Sign our Stand Up for Safety Petition!

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San Diego County Water Authority Logo

Honorary Street Naming of Lucky Lane in North Park

I was honored to support the community initiative to give a block of Grim Avenue in North Park the honorary name of Lucky Lane, in tribute to the late Lucky Wong, owner of The Great Phenix.

 

A special thank you to Matt Lyons for leading this effort, to June Wong and North Park Main Street for their support, and to my City council colleagues for unanimously supporting this wonderful tribute to Lucky Wong.

 
San Diego County Water Authority Logo

Unanimous Passing of Street Safety Resolution

In response from advocacy from my office, the City Council passed an ordinance to lower speed limits in key areas—making neighborhoods like Hillcrest, North Park, Mission Hills, and Downtown safer and more walkable. I am grateful to Councilmember Raul Campillo and our traffic safety partners for their support of this important safety initiative. 

 
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It was great to see so many residents at community events in April. I appreciated our conversations about how we can keep improving our neighborhoods. Below are highlights of some of those April events.

Ride with Pride Photo

Human Rights Campaign Spring Event

Thank you to the Human Rights Campaign San Diego for their ongoing partnership in advancing equality and inclusion throughout our city.

 

I remain committed to building a future that is more just, more inclusive, and more equitable—for everyone who calls our city home.

District 3 Community Team with Councilmember Whitburn
 

Unveiling of Albalone Journey Mural on 3rd and J

The new “Abalone Journey” mural on 3rd & J is a powerful tribute to the history and legacy of Chinese immigrants whose fishing villages once thrived on San Diego’s bayfront.

 

Thank you to the Downtown San Diego Partnership, the talented artists, and the dedicated community leaders who brought this important vision to life.

District 3 Community Team with Councilmember Whitburn
 

Ribbon Cutting for the Safe STAY Wellness Shelter

I was pleased to join regional leaders for the grand opening of the Safe STAY Wellness Shelter—a vital new resource providing safety, stability, and support for LGBTQ+ youth ages 18 to 24.

 

This shelter is a powerful step forward in our efforts to uplift and protect some of our most vulnerable young people.

 

Thank you to the San Diego Housing Commission, Congressman Scott Peters, Mayor Todd Gloria, and all of our dedicated partners who are working tirelessly to create a more compassionate and inclusive San Diego.

Councilmember Stephen Whitburn at South Park Dayside Walk
 

Father Joe's Villages 75th Anniversary Proclamation

For 75 years, Father Joe’s Villages has exemplified compassion and commitment in lifting up people experiencing homelessness in San Diego.

 

I was honored to join Mayor Todd Gloria and my Council colleagues in recognizing this incredible milestone and thanking Father Joe’s and President and CEO Deacon Jim Vargas for their decades of service, innovation, and partnership in our ongoing efforts to end homelessness.

Councilmember Stephen Whitburn at South Park Dayside Walk
 

Out at the Park with the San Diego Padres and San Diego Pride

I had a wonderful time joining thousands of Padres fans at this year’s “Out at the Park” Night to celebrate our city’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community.

 

This annual tradition is a powerful reminder of the pride, unity, and spirit that define San Diego.

 

Thank you to the San Diego Padres and San Diego Pride!

Councilmember Stephen Whitburn at South Park Dayside Walk
 

Opening of Rachel's Promise Shelter

The new Rachel’s Promise Center in District 3 will offer a safe and supportive environment for up to 210 women, including mothers with children, as they work to rebuild their lives with dignity, stability, and hope.

 

This vital resource is about providing not just shelter, but the help and care needed to empower individuals to thrive and create a brighter future.

Councilmember Stephen Whitburn at South Park Dayside Walk
 

Imperial Court de San Diego's Annual Easter Egg Hunt

I had the pleasure of joining the  Imperial Court de San Diego for their annual Easter celebration!

 

It was a fantastic event that brought together hundreds of community members to enjoy Easter baskets, raffles, and an exciting Easter egg hunt.

 

A big thank you to Nicole Murray Ramirez, Big Mike, and the many organizers for hosting another wonderful and successful celebration that helps bring our community closer together. 

Councilmember Stephen Whitburn at South Park Dayside Walk
 

Earth Day Community Events

My team and I had the pleasure of joining our amazing community partners to plant trees throughout District 3 in celebration of Earth Day.

 

I’m pleased to work alongside organizations like the San Diego River Foundation, SDG&E, San Diego FC and the Downtown San Diego Partnership as we continue advancing San Diego's climate action goals.

 

 Other Highlights

Mayor Gloria signing the FY25 Budget with city leaders at his side

New Community Representative for District 3 Office

I'm pleased to announce that Jay Clevenger has joined our team as a Community Representative! In this role, he will serve as the liaison between my office and the communities of Bankers Hill / Park West, Middletown, and Mission Hills.

A District 3 resident, Jay previously worked as a Community Engagement Intern in my office, where he demonstrated a strong work ethic, empathy for constituents, and a passion for public service.
Jay grew up in the Inland Empire before moving to central California, where he graduated from Atascadero High School. He studied Mandarin Chinese at National Tsing Hua University in Hsinchu, Taiwan through the U.S. Department of State's National Security Language Initiative, where he became fluent in the language and developed an interest in transit, housing, and urban policy.

Before joining my office, Jay worked in the hotel industry and as an intern for the district office of Congressman Scott Peters.

Outside of work, he enjoys reading, writing, surfing, and searching for the best restaurants in San Diego.

Jay is excited to step into this role and is committed to serving the residents of District 3, ensuring that their needs are met and their voices are heard at City Hall.

 
Photo of Gaslamp Quarter

The San Diego River in District 3.

Upcoming Events in District 3

Our District is the perfect place for entertainment, dining, and sightseeing! Check out all of the upcoming events and get to know all that District 3 has to offer:

  • District 3 Budget Town Hall, Thursday, May 8th, 6:30 PM, Casa del Prado, Balboa Park.
  • Wonderfest Music and Arts Festival, Friday, May 16- Sunday, May 18, 

    San Diego Embarcadero, 839 W. Harbor Drive.

 

Sign our Stand up for Safety Petition!

Stand up for Safety Change. org Petition
 

In the News

Throughout the month of April, I had the opportunity to appear on local news outlets to speak on important topics such as honorary renaming of Lucky Lane in North Park, my AB 43 Safe Streets Ordinance, and new affordable housing developments in Downtown.

 
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