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A Message from Stephen |
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Dear Neighbor,
As we work to make San Diego a safer and more livable city for everyone, I’m pleased to share recent updates on initiatives that prioritize safety, assistance for unhoused San Diegans, and affordable housing.
First, I’m pleased to announce the passing of a new ordinance regulating pedicabs across downtown. This legislation is designed to protect our residents and visitors, curbing price gouging, eliminating amplified noise, and addressing long-standing regulatory concerns. With this ordinance, we’re ensuring pedicabs remain a fun and accessible way to get around without compromising safety and fairness.
We’re also making strides in tackling homelessness with an expansion of shelter beds at Veterans Village of San Diego. These additional beds will provide our veterans. seniors and others with a stable place to sleep, access to critical support services, and help getting back on their feet. It’s one more step in addressing the urgent need for shelter options.
Lastly, we’re proud to celebrate the addition of new affordable housing at Presidio Palms in Mission Valley. This conversion of a former hotel creates more housing options near jobs and transportation, supporting families and individuals who need stable, affordable homes in the heart of our city. Projects like Presidio Palms are essential to creating a San Diego where everyone can thrive.
Thank you for being part of our community’s progress. Your support and feedback are invaluable as we continue working toward a San Diego that is safe, welcoming, and inclusive for all.
Please see below for more updates and details.
Yours in service,
Stephen |
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Unveiling of Presidio Palms Affordable Housing Units |
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I'm pleased to share the news about Presidio Palms in Mission Valley, an upcoming affordable housing development that will soon provide 161 units of supportive housing.
This project is a significant step forward in our commitment to addressing homelessness by not only offering affordable homes but also delivering essential supportive services on-site to help residents build stability and independence.
Projects like these are made possible through strong partnerships, and I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated state, county, and city leaders who have worked together to make this vision a reality. |
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State of MTS Address |
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As Chair of the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System, I was delighted to share important updates and upcoming new projects that will improve our regional transit system as part of the 2024 State of MTS Address. Updates included new projects like the new Copper Trolley Line and new Owl Express for late night riders, and a remarkable 10% increase in ridership compared to the previous year. |
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Unanimous Passing of Pedicab Ordinance |
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I’m pleased to announce that the San Diego City Council has unanimously passed my new ordinance to improve pedicab regulations, marking a significant step toward ensuring safety and fairness for both residents and visitors in our city.
This ordinance prohibits amplified sound on pedicabs, addressing a common concern about noise disruptions, and enforces measures to prevent price gouging, safeguarding riders from unfair and unexpected charges.
I want to express my gratitude to everyone who provided feedback—your input was invaluable in shaping these new policies. Your voice truly matters in shaping a better quality of life for our community, and I encourage you to continue sharing your thoughts with me and my team. |
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 (8).jpg "Where's Whitburn Logo")
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It was great to see so many residents at community events in October. I appreciated our conversations about how we can keep improving our neighborhoods. Below are highlights of some of those October events. |
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MTS Free Ride Day |
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As MTS Chair, I’m thrilled to share that Free Ride Day saw a 15.4% boost in ridership, with over 300,000 riders – the highest single-day total since the start of the pandemic! |
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Brass Rail 90th Anniversary |
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I was honored to present a special proclamation to mark the 90th Anniversary of the Brass Rail.
This establishment has been a cornerstone of our city's LGBTQ+ community, providing a safe and welcoming space for generations.
Let's continue to honor its legacy of love, acceptance, and celebration within our vibrant new LGBTQ+ Cultural District. |
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Inaugural River Refresh Day at the San Diego River |
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The first-ever River Refresh Day was a huge success!
Thank you to the incredible volunteers, the San Diego River Park Foundation, and SDG&E for your hard work to beautify and revitalize the San Diego River. |
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Hillcrest Business Association Mixer |
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Exciting developments are underway in Hillcrest, from the LGBTQ+ Cultural District to the Normal Street Promenade!
A special thank you to Ben Nicholls and the Hillcrest Business Association for their unwavering support and advocacy for these important projects. |
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St Patrick School & Parish Fall Festival |
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I was delighted to join the 66th annual St. Patrick School Fall Festival, where we celebrated their 80th anniversary by proclaiming "St. Patrick School Day".
Here's to many more years of success and community spirit! |
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North Park Farmers Market |
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The District 3 community team had a fantastic time connecting with our community at the North Park Farmers Market!
Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn more about our work in District 3. |
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Burlingame Block Party |
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Thank you to everyone who came out to the Burlingame Block Party!
It was great to see our community come together for a day of fun, friendship, and celebration.
I’m grateful for the volunteers and local businesses that made this day possible. |
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Annual Fall Cleanup in University Heights |
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I was proud to join the University Heights Community Association Beautification Team for their Annual Fall Cleanup.
Together, we worked to beautify our neighborhood and strengthen our community spirit.
Thank you to all the volunteers who made this event a success! |
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South Park Trick-or-Treat Walkabout |
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The District 3 community team had a wonderful time celebrating the spirit of the season at the Trick-or-Treat Walkabout!
Thank you to everyone who took the time to engage with our community representatives about important issues. |
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Other Highlights |
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New Shelter Beds at Veteran's Village of San Diego The announcement of new shelter beds at Veteran's Village of San Diego will provide individuals experiencing homelessness with increased wrap-around services and assist our efforts to provide as much shelter as possible to those who ask for it.
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LGBTQ+ History Month Celebration October marked LGBTQ+ History Month and I was honored to be joined by activists and city leaders to honor the brave contributions of those who fought for the rights we proudly have now. |
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East Village in District 3. |
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:
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In the News |
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Throughout the month of October I had the opportunity to appear on local news outlets to speak on important topics such as MTS Free Ride Day, and my Pedicab Ordinance, |
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