Dear Neighbor,
When a consultant recently recommended the city start enforcing parking meters on Sundays, I fought to keep parking meters free for residents in their own neighborhoods. As a result, if the city ever does enforce meters on Sundays, you will not have to pay at meters within a quarter-mile of your home. Many residents don’t have driveways or garages and rely on street parking.
Since more people are home on Sundays, the free meters help accommodate all residents. In my opinion, you shouldn’t have to feed a meter or move your car every two hours while you’re home on a Sunday.
On a related front, I also fought a plan to increase the fine for an expired meter. The fine is currently $30, but with a $12.50 state surcharge, the total cost is $42.50. The plan to increase the fine to $54.50 would have brought the total cost, including the surcharge, to $67. That is too much in my opinion. For a minimum wage worker, $67 is nearly a half-day’s pay, and no one should lose a half day’s pay for being a little late to a parking meter.
Too many people are struggling as it is. I’m glad to report to you that, given my opposition, the city is not increasing the fine for an expired meter.
Yours in service,
Stephen
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Resolving Encampments near Freeways
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The City Council unanimously passed my resolution in support of state legislation to increase cooperation between the state and city in addressing encampments along freeways and other state property.
Senate Bill 569 has been introduced by Senator Catherine Blakespear and sponsored by Mayor Gloria. If passed by the legislature, we will be able to more efficiently resolve freeway encampments, which will improve safety and connect people to services that can assist them.
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Press Conference to Defend Medicare and Medi-Cal
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I was pleased to stand with Representative Scott Peters and other community leaders calling to protect Medicaid and Medi-Cal from dangerous cuts. Over 900,000 San Diegans depend on these vital services for their healthcare, and these proposed cuts would have a severe impact on seniors, children, and families. We simply can't allow that to happen.
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It was great to see so many residents at community events in March. I appreciated our conversations about how we can keep improving our neighborhoods. Below are highlights of some of those March events.
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San Diego Lodging Association 45th Gold Key Awards
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Congratulations to all the nominees and winners at the San Diego Lodging Association’s 45th Gold Key Awards!
Our council district, which includes Downtown and Mission Valley, has more hotels than anywhere else in the city.
It was a pleasure to honor the professionals who help make San Diego so welcoming to tourists, businesspeople, and residents alike.
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Renewal of the Downtown Property and Business Improvement District
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It was good to see the renewal of the Downtown Property and Business Improvement District.
The district is focused on enhancing cleanliness, safety, and vibrancy for downtown residents, businesses, and visitors.
I’m grateful for the ongoing partnership with the Downtown San Diego Partnership and all the work they do to strengthen our downtown community.
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2025 Create the Future Awards
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Congratulations to all the recipients of the Downtown San Diego Partnership's Create the Future Awards!
Their hard work is shaping a vibrant downtown where entertainment, housing, and innovation come together.
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Burlingame Neighborhood Association Meeting
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As always, I enjoyed connecting with the Burlingame Neighborhood Association at their annual meeting.
It’s always a pleasure to hear directly from residents and work together to make our neighborhoods even stronger.
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District 3 Woman of Distinction: Sharon Gehl
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I was honored to recognize Sharon Gehl as a District 3 Woman of Distinction!
Her advocacy for much-needed housing and decades of leadership have helped make San Diego a better place for all.
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Preview of “An Artful Life: A Tribute to Matthew C. Strauss.
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Thank you to Kathryn Kanjo and the Museum of Contemporary Art of San Diego (MCASD) for the preview of their exhibition, “An Artful Life: A Tribute to Matthew C. Strauss.”
My compliments to MCASD Board President Steve Strauss for organizing such a beautiful tribute to his father’s legacy.
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25th Anniversary of the SDPD's Central Division
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Congratulations to the San Diego Police Department’s Central Division, which is celebrating 25 years of dedicated service to our community.
Serving Downtown, Bankers Hill, Golden Hill, South Park, and Balboa Park in District 3, the officers of Central Division have shown exemplary commitment to keeping our neighborhoods safe.
Thank you to Chief Wahl, Captain Hallahan, and all the officers for their unwavering dedication.
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Transgender Day of Visibility
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I was pleased to join Mayor Gloria and my fellow Council colleagues in declaring March 31st as Transgender Day of Visibility here in San Diego.
Later, I joined fellow LGBTQ+ leaders in raising the transgender flag in Hillcrest.
Visibility is key to fostering understanding and promoting equality.
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San Diego Housing Federation Day
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2025 marks the 35th Anniversary of the San Diego Housing Federation!
I’m grateful for SDHF’s leadership in expanding affordable housing, promoting equitable development, and tackling our region’s housing crisis.
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IATSE 122 Workers Rights Rally
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I was glad to stand with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 122 in their fight for fair wages.
These hardworking professionals play key roles at many of San Diego’s shows, meetings, and conventions, and they deserve a fair contract.
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Groundbreaking of St. Luke's Affordable Housing Project
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Construction has officially begun on 78 new affordable homes at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in North Park.
This is another step forward in providing much-needed affordable housing for our community.
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MTS Padres Opening Day Press Conference
As Chairman of the Metropolitan Transit System board, it was fun to join MTS, NCTD, the Padres, and our community partners to unveil the new MTS Padres-themed trolley wrap for the 2025 season! Taking transit is a fast, easy, and affordable way to get to Petco Park. I hope to see you on board! Go Padres!
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Special District 3 Recognition: Maureen McNulty
Congratulations to District 3 resident Maureen McNulty on receiving the Alzheimer’s Association Hope Award! Maureen embodies the heart of the Alzheimer’s Association. With nearly a decade on staff and three more as a volunteer, she’s dedicated her life to advocacy. Having lost her grandmother and mother to Alzheimer’s, and now caring for her sister, she is a true champion in the fight against this disease.
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15th Annual Las Mananitas Breakfast
I was delighted to attend the 15th annual César Chávez Club Las Mañanitas breakfast, celebrating César Chávez’s legacy and recognizing San Diego Unified School District Board Trustee Richard Barrera for his unwavering dedication to our region’s students.
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Petco Park in District 3.
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Upcoming Events in District 3
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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:
- North Park Festival of Beers, Saturday April 5, 2025, 12:00 PM- 4:00 PM, Lafayette Hotel, 2223 El Cajon Blvd, 92104.
- San Diego Earth Fest, Sunday, April 20, 2025, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Park Blvd, 92101.
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