Office of San Diego City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn banner Image
 

A Message from Stephen

Dear Neighbor,

 

I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous support of our recent Back-to-School Drive.

 

Your contributions have made a difference in the lives of hundreds of K-12 students and teachers across District 3, ensuring they are equipped with the tools they need to succeed.

 

Together, we have provided essential supplies to countless students, easing the burden on families and empowering our youth to focus on their education.

 

This initiative would not have been possible without your support, and I am grateful to have such dedicated and compassionate partners in our community.

 

I look forward to working together on future initiatives that strengthen our community and uplift those in need.

 

Yours in service,

 

Stephen

 
San Diego County Water Authority Logo

More Homeless San Diegans to Receive Permanent Housing

On August 16, the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) finalized the purchase of the Extended Stay America hotel, now known as Presidio Palms, to house people experiencing homelessness.
 
This project will add 161 permanent supportive housing units to SDHC’s portfolio. Thanks to the City's $17.8 million allocation, we secured $35 million in state Home Key funds. This achievement was made possible through collaboration with SDHC, our office, San Diego County officials, and the Regional Task Force on Homelessness.
 
Rehabilitation of Presidio Palms will begin this fall, with completion expected by spring 2025.
 

MTS Ridership Increases by 10%

As Chairman of the Board at the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), I am pleased to report a remarkable 10.4% increase in ridership over the past year, with 75.6 million passenger trips recorded between July 2023 and June 2024.

 

This success is due to the strong partnership between riders and MTS staff and puts MTS on a path to welcome even more passengers in the coming years.

 
Where's Whitburn Logo

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

Ride with Pride Photo

Hillcrest Community Clean Up

A big thank you to Hillcrest residents Benny and Rick for leading another amazing Hillcrest community cleanup! We appreciate your efforts in bringing us together and making a positive difference in our neighborhood.

District 3 Community Team with Councilmember Whitburn
 

City Signs new lease with the World Beat Center in Balboa Park

The 25-year lease with the World Beat Center guarantees that this vital space will continue celebrating cultural heritage and diversity. A special thanks to Makeda Dread for her outstanding leadership and tireless efforts in promoting cultural awareness throughout San Diego.

District 3 Community Team with Councilmember Whitburn
 

Welcoming New Pandas to the San Diego Zoo

Welcome, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao! My team and I were thrilled to greet the newest residents of District 3. It's an honor to host these beautiful new additions at our iconic San Diego Zoo!
Councilmember Stephen Whitburn at South Park Dayside Walk
 

Mission Hills Town Council Town Hall

Thank you to the Mission Hills Town Council for hosting an engaging town hall with our neighbors. I’m proud of the progress we've made together to enhance Mission Hills and neighborhoods throughout District 3.

Councilmember Stephen Whitburn at South Park Dayside Walk
 

Burlingame Dumpster Day

I am grateful to all the neighbors and volunteers who helped make this year’s Burlingame Dumpster Day a success. My office was proud to sponsor the event by securing three large dumpsters and providing tipping passes to support this important community clean-up effort.

 
Councilmember Stephen Whitburn with members of UFCW Local 135

Albert Einstein Academies Charter School Groundbreaking and Ribbon Cutting

A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated students and staff at Albert Einstein Academies Elementary Charter School, project leaders, and regional partners for making Phase 1 of this vital project a reality. Together, we're ensuring that this institution continues to be a thriving environment for current and future students

 
Councilmember Whitburn with fellow councilmembers at Philippine Day Celebration

Hillcrest Indivisible 

I am appreciative of the organizers and all those who attended this event. Your participation made it a truly engaging and meaningful discussion. We had the opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve achieved together in Hillcrest and throughout District 3, from enhancing neighborhood safety to advancing housing affordability and addressing homelessness.

 

        Other Highlights

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

State of Balboa Park Address

 The Mayor's second annual State of Balboa Park event highlighted key updates on upcoming renovations to our beloved landmark. These improvements mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our city's crown jewel. I look forward to continued collaboration with stakeholders to ensure Balboa Park remains a vibrant and cherished space for all.

    

 

Chief Colin Stowell's Farewell

I was honored to celebrate Chief Colin Stowell for his extraordinary 35-year career with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, including six remarkable years as our city’s Fire Chief. Throughout his decades of service, Chief Stowell has exemplified dedication, bravery, and leadership, playing a crucial role in keeping our community safe.

           

    

 

                                 Swearing in of new Fire-Rescue Chief Robert Logan II                   

I was proud to join Mayor Gloria, my City Council colleagues, and other city and state officials to witness the swearing-in ceremony of new Fire Rescue Chief Robert Logan II. Chief Logan brings over two decades of experience as part of the SDFD and as a native San Diegan, knows our city well and what is needed to keep us safe.

           

    

 
Photo of Gaslamp Quarter

University Heights 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:

  • Annual Taste of Gaslamp: Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the Gaslamp Quarter
  • FilmOut San Diego LGBT Film Festival: Thursday, September 12 - Sunday September 15, 2024, at Balboa Park
  • CRSSD Festival: Saturday and Sunday, September 28 and 29, 2024, at the San Diego County Waterfront Park
 
Video

In the News

Throughout the month of August, I had the opportunity to appear on local news outlets to speak on important topics such as recent events at City Hall and our Back to School Drive. 

 
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