In the weeks and months following the most recent election, I’ve reflected a lot on how our government can innovate further to serve the public better than we ever have before. And as I have thought about all this, something I’ve noticed is that many people simply do not know how to access the services that our City government already provides.

It’s not their fault at all – far from it. There’s no 'Intro to Accessing City Services 101' course taught to all young people or new residents. However, in my role as Councilmember, I want to use my platform to educate folks on how to access City services so that more people can take advantage of the many services their tax dollars already pay for.

That’s how my new “How Do I?” series came to life. From time to time, I’ll be putting out videos on my social media channels about how to use various City services – everything from using Get it Done to applying for permits and much more.

In last week’s Raul Roundup, I wrote about the Fire Department’s new Citrotech product, which is EPA-approved and works incredibly well to prevent fires. Well, as it turned out, the Fire Department happened to be spraying the product in the Navajo area on Tuesday – so my staff and I went out there to see it in action.

While I was there, I recorded a video with Deputy Fire Chief Tosca to explain more about how the tool is being used in at-risk areas, including areas where homeless encampments have been, and how Citrotech is formulated from naturally occurring citrus salts mixed with water. Watch it here to learn more!  

Officer David Surwilo has served with the San Diego Police Department for 24 years, spending much of that time as a Community Relations Officer in District 7 in Linda Vista and Mission Valley. Officer Surwilo has always been caring and kind, and will be greatly missed as he exits the Police Department. It was a pleasure to proclaim Tuesday, January 28, 2025 as Officer David Surwilo Day in San Diego!

One of my roles as a City Councilmember is to appoint people to serve on Boards and Commissions, which are groups of volunteers that serve in an advisory capacity to the Mayor and Council. One of the people I appointed to a position this past year, Sam Youeth, serves on the Board of Library Commissioners and did an interview recently with San Diego Magazine about her work, including what motivates her, challenges she’s faced, and how to get involved. Read the article here!

On Wednesday and Thursday, I held my first two town halls of the year in Tierrasanta and Navajo respsectively. What a turnout it was: over 100 people attended the two town halls! I answered questions about many important topics, including public safety, roads, and much more.