Office of San Diego City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn banner Image
 

A Message from Stephen

Dear Neighbor,

 

As we begin planning for the City of San Diego’s fiscal year 2026 budget, I want to hear from you. Your input is essential in ensuring our community’s priorities are reflected in the budget decisions we make.

 

I remain committed to investing in addressing homelessness, increasing housing, enhancing public safety, and improving our infrastructure. These priorities are critical to maintaining a strong, vibrant city.

 

I encourage you to share your thoughts on what you’d like to see prioritized in this budget.

 

Please share your budget priorities by visiting the Budget FY26 section on my website and filling out our survey.

 

Thank you for your engagement.

 

Yours in service,

 

Stephen

 
San Diego County Water Authority Logo

District 3 Fire Safety Town Hall

Our District 3 Fire Safety Town Hall featured representatives from the San Diego Fire Rescue Department, the Burn Institute, and the California Department of Insurance, who provided vital wildfire preparedness information. fire safety recommendations, and suggestions to best protect homes and businesses from being affected by wildfires.

 

Thank you to those that attended and participated in our Q&A session. For those that could not attend, all of the information shared during the presentation and a recording of the town hall can be found in the District 3 Fire Preparedness section of my website.

 
San Diego County Water Authority Logo

Groundbreaking for the Pride Promenade

Exciting news for Hillcrest! The Pride Promenade will create a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly space that reflects the heart of this historic neighborhood.

 

Thank you to Mayor Todd Gloria, Assemblymember Chris Ward, Senator Toni Atkins, the HBA, the Uptown Parking District, SANDAG, and Hillcrest residents for making this vision a reality.

 
Where's Whitburn Logo

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

District 3 Community Team with Councilmember Whitburn
 

Mid-City Go! Ribbon Cutting 

The Mid-City GO! rideshare program is bringing more sustainable and accessible transit options to our communities!

 

A huge thank you to my Deputy Chief of Staff Ryan Darsey, North Park Main Street, City Heights CDC, Councilmember Elo-Rivera, Via, CMO, CCI, and all our regional partners for making this possible.

District 3 Community Team with Councilmember Whitburn
 

Lunar New Year Celebration at the House of China in Balboa Park

Wishing everyone a joyful Lunar New Year! A special thank you to the House of China in Balboa Park for hosting a beautiful traditional celebration that unites so many in our community.

 

Here's to a prosperous and healthy Year of the Snake for all.

Councilmember Stephen Whitburn at South Park Dayside Walk
 

Tour of the San Diego Chinese Historical Society Museum 

Exploring the rich history of San Diego’s Chinatown at the San Diego Chinese Historical Society Museum!

 

A big thank you to Executive Director Jacinta Wong and Port Commissioner Sid Voorakkara for the insightful tour and for preserving this important part of our city’s history.

Councilmember Stephen Whitburn at South Park Dayside Walk
 

San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce Delegation Trip to Sacramento

I joined the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce in Sacramento to advocate for policies and funding that support our region's businesses and neighborhoods.

 

I presided over a panel on business development in California, where we explored opportunities to foster innovation and strengthen our local economy.

 

San Diego's business community is a vital part of our city's success, and I’m committed to ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive.

Councilmember Stephen Whitburn at South Park Dayside Walk
 

Reception Honoring Toni Atkins

I was honored to join fellow elected officials at a reception hosted by UC San Diego Regents Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla to celebrate California State Senate President Pro Tempore Emerita Toni Atkins and her incredible leadership.

Councilmember Stephen Whitburn at South Park Dayside Walk
 

San Diego FC Day

Exciting times for San Diego!

 

As Major League Soccer's newest franchise, San Diego FC has brought the thrill of soccer to our city and quickly established itself as a valued community partner. 

Councilmember Stephen Whitburn at South Park Dayside Walk
 

3rd Annual Hillcrest Honors 

Hillcrest Honors returned for its 3rd year, celebrating the incredible individuals who make Hillcrest the vibrant and welcoming community we love.

 

A huge thank you to Benny Cartwright and Rick Cervantes for their hard work in making this event possible, and congratulations to the honorees for all you do for our neighborhood!

Councilmember Stephen Whitburn at South Park Dayside Walk
 

154th San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce Celebration 

For 154 years, the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce has been a cornerstone of San Diego’s business community.

 

Congratulations to the evening's honorees, Jerry Sanders and the newest MLS franchise, San Diego FC!

 

It was also a pleasure to welcome Sharp HealthCare CEO Chris Howard as the Chamber's new chair.

Councilmember Stephen Whitburn at South Park Dayside Walk
 

45th Golden Key Awards 

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners at the San Diego Lodging Association's 45th Gold Key Awards, including Rady Shell and San Diego Symphony for all that you do to make our tourism sector such a vital part of our region's success.

 

 Other Highlights

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

Black History Month and Transit Equity Celebration

During the month of February, the San Diego City Council celebrated Black History Month by honoring the achievements and resilience of Black Americans who have shaped our nation. As Chair of MTS, I’m especially proud to observe Transit Equity Day, a tribute to Rosa Parks’ enduring legacy and the ongoing need for equitable public transit for all.

    

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

Public Official of the Year Award

I was honored to receive the Public Official of the Year Award from the San Diego Building Owners & Managers Association. Thank you to BOMA for their continued partnership and for all they do to support policies that help our commercial real estate industry thrive. 

 
Photo of Gaslamp Quarter

Bankers Hill 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:

  • East Village Block Party, Saturday, March 10, 10:00 AM -4: 30 PM, J Street from 6th to 10th Avenues in front of Petco Park. 
  • ShamRock St. Paddy’s Day Music + Beer Festival 2025- Saturday, March 15, 2:00 PM -8:00 PM, Gaslamp Quarter Fourth Avenue & K Street.
  • San Diego St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival, Saturday, March 15th, 9:00 AM- 6:00 PM, Fifth Avenue and Laurel Street, Balboa Park.
  • District 3 Measure B Open House- Monday, March 24, 5:30 PM - 7: 00 PM, Balboa Park Casa Del Prado, Room 101, 1650 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101.
 

In the News

Throughout the month of February, I had the opportunity to appear on local news outlets to speak on important topics such as the Mid City Go Shuttle Program, A new shelter for unhoused families and women in Downtown, Fire Safety Concerns, and the new Pride Promenade in Hillcrest. 

 
Facebook
Instagram
X
Email