Office of San Diego City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn banner Image

A Message from Stephen

Dear Neighbor,

Last Friday, federal agents conducted an immigration enforcement action at the Buona Forchetta restaurant in South Park.

Dozens of agents wearing masks and carrying assault weapons were deployed in a show of force that was unnecessary and alarming. They handcuffed every worker in the restaurant and detained four.

People have a right to due process. Our neighbors who are immigrants are vital to the fabric of our city, and they deserve to live without fear or intimidation.

I joined members of our Congressional delegation and other local leaders at a press conference (below) and told the media I’m proud of the South Park residents and other San Diegans who voiced their anger at what took place.

San Diego is a city that values not only the rule of law, but fairness and humanity as well. Federal immigration authorities should do the same.

Yours in service,

Stephen

Sign the Stand Up for Safety Petition!

Stand for Safety Press Conference

Thank you to the more than 1,450 people who have signed our petition calling for improvements to the dangerous intersection of El Cajon Blvd,. Park Blvd., and Normal St. If you have not signed it yet, there is still time – just click on the banner above.

I appreciate the many community leaders, neighbors, and traffic safety advocates who joined me for a news conference to call for work to begin on identifying a better design for the intersection.

Homelessness Down Nearly 14% in the City of San Diego

This year’s Point in Time Count shows homelessness in the City of San Diego is down nearly 14%. It is a promising trend that our efforts are making a difference. We obviously still have more work to do. Let’s stay the course and finish the job.

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

District 3 Budget Town Hall

Thank you to all the District 3 residents who joined our Budget Town Hall and shared your priorities for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

Special thanks to Independent Budget Analyst Charles Modica and his team for helping make the City’s budget process more transparent through these important community conversations.

District 3 Community Team with Councilmember Whitburn

Party on Park in University Heights

It was great to connect with neighbors and celebrate everything that makes University Heights such a vibrant and welcoming neighborhood.

Big thanks to the University Heights Community Association for hosting this fantastic community event!

Unveiling of the Kanaka Davis Statue in Downtown

The new Kanaka Davis Monument is a powerful tribute to one of San Diego’s earliest Native Hawaiian settlers.

Thank you to the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation and the Kanaka Davis Trust Group for helping preserve this important piece of our Downtown heritage.

Councilmember Stephen Whitburn at South Park Dayside Walk

17th Annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast

I was pleased to attend the 17th Annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast — a powerful celebration of courage, visibility, and progress.

Harvey Milk's legacy reminds us that hope must never be silent, and I remain committed to building a more just and inclusive San Diego for all.

3rd Annual sPark Awards

I was pleased to attend the 3rd Annual sPark Awards, celebrating the partnerships and people who make Balboa Park the iconic heart of San Diego.

I am grateful to Forever Balboa Park

for their shared commitment — and special thanks to Forever Balboa Park CEO Katy McDonald for her leadership.

Press Conference in Support of Homeless Veterans

I joined Congressman Scott Peters and local leaders to highlight San Diego’s progress in reducing unsheltered homelessness and to urge Congress to protect critical funding for homeless veterans.

I am grateful to Congressman Peters for his continued leadership and partnership in this important effort.

Diplomacy Day

I was honored to participate in San Diego’s Diplomacy Day at the International Cottages in Balboa Park alongside Ambassador Alicia Kerber-Palma, Mexico’s Consul General in San Diego, and Bill Swaney, the Principal Officer at the U.S. Consulate in Tijuana.

Diplomacy isn’t just a global responsibility, it’s a local one as well, and it starts in our neighborhoods and communities.

Walter Phillips Day

I was pleased to join Councilmember Marni von Wilpert and Mayor Todd Gloria in proclaiming June 7th as Walter Phillips Day in the City of San Diego.

For 25 years, Walter has led San Diego Youth Services with compassion and commitment, helping thousands of young people find safety, stability, and hope.

San Diego's Bee City Designation at the San Diego Zoo

As the Councilmember representing Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo, I’m buzzing with excitement at the Zoo’s official designation as part of Bee City USA!

Thank you to Council President Joe LaCava for his leadership in making this happen and to the San Diego Zoo for not only hosting this exhibit, but for being a leader in conservation.

Other Highlights

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

“Get Kids to School Safely” Rally

I joined Safe Streets San Diego, Circulate San Diego, Bike SD, San Diego Unified School Board Trustee Shana Hazan, and Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera at the busy and dangerous intersection of University Avenue and Cherokee Avenue to demand urgent action on street safety.

Addressing the City’s Fatal 15 intersections and improving the Critical 6 corridors isn’t just smart policy — it’s our responsibility to protect everyone who walks, bikes, and drives in our community.

South Park 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:

San Diego Greek Festival, Saturday, June 14- Sunday, June 15, 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM, St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, 3655 Park Boulevard.
Taste of Little Italy, Tuesday, June 17- Friday, July 18, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM,
Piazza della Famiglia, 523 W. Date Street.

District 3 Resources

Supporting LGBTQ+ Residents, Immigrants, and People Experiencing Homelessness

District 3 is home to a strong network of organizations working every day to support our LGBTQ+ neighbors, immigrant families, and those experiencing homelessness.

Below are trusted resources available right here in District 3.

LGBTQ+:

The Center (LGBTQ Community Center) – Located in Hillcrest, The Center offers mental health services, youth and senior programs, housing assistance, and HIV prevention and care.

San Diego LGBT Pride – Offers leadership development, youth scholarships, community events, and emergency resources.

Being Alive San Diego – Provides services for people living with HIV/AIDS, including support groups, therapy, and holistic wellness programs.

Hillcrest Youth Center (through The Center) – A safe and affirming space for LGBTQ+ youth ages 10–24, offering support groups, social activities, and educational resources.

For immigrants and refugees:

Jewish Family Service Immigration Services – Offers legal support, asylum assistance, and help navigating immigration processes.

Casa Cornelia Law Center – Provides pro-bono legal services for asylum seekers, unaccompanied minors, and victims of crime.

Alliance San Diego – Advocates for immigrant rights and offers civic engagement, legal workshops, and support services.

Homelessness Services:

Father Joe’s Villages – Comprehensive housing, shelter, meals, and wraparound services in East Village.

Alpha Project – Emergency shelters, bridge housing, outreach, and job training.

PATH San Diego (People Assisting The Homeless) – Housing navigation, case management, and health services.

San Diego Access & Crisis Line – 24/7 support and referrals for housing, mental health, and substance use.

Rachel’s Women’s Center (run by Catholic Charities) – Safe day center for women experiencing homelessness, including meals, showers, case management, and referrals.

I remain committed to uplifting and protecting our LGBTQ+ neighbors, immigrant families, and unsheltered San Diegans. District 3 is proud to be a place where people can live authentically, seek safety, and access the support they need.

If you or someone you know needs help navigating any of these services, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.

In the News

Throughout the month of May, I had the opportunity to appear on local news outlets to speak on important topics such as my Stand up for Safety Petition, the ICE raid in South Park, and the status of the repairs of the Vermont Street Bridge.