For years, folks in Tierrasanta have asked: When is Clairemont Mesa Blvd getting repaved? The answer is now.

We’re finally getting it done—thanks to the incredible work of our Transportation Department, led by Bethany Bezak. Just under a mile of roadway is being resurfaced, the result of years of coordination with Caltrans due to its proximity to state highways.

On Thursday, I had the pleasure of going to see the work being done and thanking City workers for doing a great job.

This week, the County Board of Supervisors approved a major investment in mental health services—including 30 new treatment beds at Paradise Valley Hospital, expanded outpatient programs, and additional board-and-care capacity. These are exactly the kinds of bold moves we need if we’re serious about addressing our region’s behavioral health crisis.

As someone who led the City’s work to streamline approvals for new mental health facilities and strongly supported Prop 1, I’ve long said that meaningful progress only happens when every level of government takes action. I’m glad to see the County stepping up.

Mental illness doesn’t stop at jurisdictional lines—and neither should our commitment to care. Let’s keep building a system that ensures San Diegans can access treatment when and where they need it.

You can read more about the County’s investments here.

Last year, I stood alongside Father Joe’s Villages to announce their new detox facility—one that I helped make possible by leading the charge to eliminate red tape for behavioral health services. That project alone expanded our city’s capacity for Medi-Cal-eligible detox beds by 2,250%.

Serra Mesa’s very own Bianca Sanchez recently became a published author — and her co-star? A poodle named Lady.

Bianca’s story, “Running Partners,” is featured in the newest Chicken Soup for the Soul collection, What I Learned from My Dog. It’s a moving reflection on grief, healing, and the unexpected joy of adopting a senior dog — and it all started right here in District 7.

Bianca wrote about how Lady helped her cope with the loss of another beloved pup, and in doing so, became not just a companion, but a workout partner and source of everyday strength. It’s a beautiful reminder of how much our four-legged friends can teach us.

Congratulations, Bianca — and thank you for sharing your heart with readers across the country. Your story is exactly the kind of inspiration our community is proud to celebrate.

Major congratulations to the incredible students from Patrick Henry High School who just returned from the National High School Model United Nations conference in New York City — and brought home some serious hardware!

Twelve students represented countries like Denmark, Slovenia, and Algeria in high-level debates with over 3,000 delegates from 77 nations. After months of rigorous preparation, their hard work paid off: Cole Richardson and Hudson Mitchell-Pullman earned an Award of Merit, and the entire delegation was honored with the Award of Excellence, a recognition of outstanding performance across the board.

Model UN builds skills in diplomacy, research, public speaking, and critical thinking — and this team made all of San Diego proud. Way to go, Patriots – keep representing District 7 with heart, intelligence, and global vision.