Dear Neighbor,

As you are likely aware, the homelessness crisis is compounded by a shortage of shelter beds, leaving more encampments on our streets.

In order to address this, I introduced the Safe Sleeping Initiative last year, which created two safe sleeping sites that provide a safe place for people to stay with access to meals and support services. 

I also introduced the Unsafe Camping Ordinance, which prohibits encampments on public property when there is a shelter bed available, and within two blocks of schools, city parks, transit centers and along waterways at all times.

Encampments pose public health and safety hazards for those living in them and for our neighborhoods.

Since its passage, the Safe Sleeping Initiative has helped over 1,000 people receive care at our safe sleeping sites and has led to a marked decrease in the number of people living on the streets in several areas. 

While this is moving us in the right direction, there are still too many encampments. We need to help get more people into shelters and ultimately housing.

To accomplish this, we need more shelter beds. 

I have asked my colleagues on the city council to support the addition of 1,000 shelter beds so that fewer people are living on the streets. This is a citywide issue that impacts all council districts. 

If you share my belief that we must add shelter beds and reduce encampments, then it is important that the city council hear from you. 

I ask that you join in me in this effort, as your input will be helpful.

Please click here to express your support as we continue to address this humanitarian crisis. 

Yours in service,

Stephen

During June's San Diego County Water Authority board meeting, I opposed the proposed increase in water rates for our region. San Diegans were asked to conserve water, and we did our part. One consequence is that the Water Authority sells less water now and makes less money. But the solution can't be to punish San Diegans who saved water by charging them more. That is completely unfair to us. I cannot support these higher rates and will continue to advocate for other ways to address the financial challenges faced by the Water Authority. 

I am honored to have received an "A" grade from Enviromental Voters San Diego, Hammond Climate Solutions and the San Diego Climate Defenders Action Fund for my initiatives and voting record on the City Council. This recognition reflects my dedication to sustainability and combating climate change. I remain committed to protecting and improving our district and environment for future generations by advocating for and supporting projects that reduce our carbon footprint and promote a greener, more sustainable way of living.

Throughout June, I have engaged with constituents to hear directly from you about ways we can improve your neighborhoods. 

Your input is essential, and I am committed to ensuring that your voices are heard and acted upon.

Below are some highlights of events I attended in June. I look forward to continuing our conversations and working together to make our district an even better place to live, work, and thrive.

 FY 2025 Budget

In June, the City Council voted unanimously to pass the FY 2025 budget. It will help ensure that we continue to reduce homelessness, create safer streets, enhance arts and culture, promote small businesses, and address the high cost of housing in San Diego. This budget reflects the priorities of our district, and I will continue to advance initiatives to further these goals.

New Public Safety Chiefs

I am pleased to share that our public safety departments, the San Diego Police and Fire Departments will be under new leadership. Scott Wahl, a 36-year veteran of the SDPD was recently sworn-in as the city's next police chief, replacing the retiring Chief David Nisleit. I was proud to support his nomination and look forward to working with him to continue to improve District 3.

Deputy Fire Chief Robert Long II was recently appointed by Mayor Gloria as the next Fire-Rescue Chief for our city. Deputy Chief Long II is a 24-year veteran of the SDFD and will be replacing the retiring Chief Colin Stowell. I look forward to his confirmation and to supporting his efforts to provide San Diegans with a valued service.

Pride Month

Additionally, June marked "Pride Month" for our LGBTQ+ community across the United States and I am proud to represent the heart of the community in Hillcrest. As we approach our 50th San Diego Pride Parade on July 20th, let us honor those that paved the way for members of the LGBTQ+ to freely express who they love and who they are.

While Pride Month celebrates the bravery, love, and pride of our LGBTQ+ community, we have unfortunately seen a rise in LGBTQ+ hate crimes. In a span of a few weeks, we have seen examples of businesses in Hillcrest being targeted and that is simply unacceptable. I have spoken about these incidents with SDPD Chief Wahl, and he has assured me that patrols in Hillcrest have and will continue to ensure the safety of residents, patrons and visitors.                                               

                                    Malik Thornton is District 3's Director of Community Engagement.

June's District 3 Staff Spotlight features Malik Thornton.  Since his arrival at our office, Malik has demonstrated a knack for leadership and a natural calling to make a difference in our district and beyond. From organizing community outreach events to ensuring that constituent concerns are addressed, Malik and his community engagement team are a vital part of our office's success.

Last month while at the North Park Musical Festival, Malik showed his kindness by coming to the aid of a festival attendee who was lying on the ground experiencing a serious medical emergency. Malik not only tended to the person but made sure they received prompt medical care. 

That person is alive today because of Malik's quick-thinking, and I am immensely proud of how he handled that situation.

District 3 and my office are a better place because of Malik.

Gaslamp Quarter 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:

• Twilight in the Park Concert Series: June 18-August 29 (select dates) at Spreckels Organ Pavilion
• San Dego Pride Parade and Festival: July 20-21 at Balboa Park
• San Diego Comic-Con: July 25-28 at the San Diego Convention Center