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Dear Neighbors,
This year marks the 50th anniversary of San Diego Pride, a milestone that marks incredible progress and enduring resilience within our LGBTQ+ community.
It’s remarkable to remember that it wasn't until 1976 that homosexuality was decriminalized in California. And here in San Diego, organizers of the first-ever Pride parade 50 years ago were denied a permit by the City of San Diego. Yet despite that initial resistance, our community leaders courageously marched without permits, paving the way for the huge, lively Pride parade and celebrations we see in San Diego today.
San Diego has made significant strides, from electing trailblazer Christine Kehoe to the City Council in the 1990s, to our current diverse City Council and LGBTQ+ leaders like Councilmembers Stephen Whitburn, Jennifer Campbell, Marni von Wilpert and myself.
We've seen historic changes, including LGBTQ+ officers serving openly and proudly in our police force, and our City's commitment to embracing diversity remains steadfast. Every year, we fly the Pride Progress flag from the California Tower in Balboa Park, we fly the Pride Flag from City Hall, and we proclaim July as Pride Month in the City of San Diego.
San Diego is grown into an incredibly proud, diverse, and welcoming community, and my hope is that we will always stay that way.
But our work is not done. We must remain vigilant. As we kick off Pride's 50th anniversary, let's come together to remember how far we have come and how much further we still have to go to make true equality possible for everyone.
Happy Pride, San Diego!
As always, it’s an honor to serve as your Mayor. |
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Robert Logan Confirmed as San Diego’s Next Fire-Rescue Chief |
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The City Council today unanimously confirmed my appointment of Robert Logan as San Diego’s next Fire-Rescue Chief.
With more than 24 years of dedicated service to the City, Deputy Chief Logan has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to our community. I believe his experience and vision make him the right person to guide our department.
A lifelong San Diegan who grew up in Lincoln Park in Council District 4, Deputy Chief Logan truly understands our community and is dedicated to serving it with an open mind, integrity and excellence. Throughout his career with our Fire-Rescue Department, which began as an EMT in 1999, he has excelled in many roles, including Deputy Fire Chief overseeing Employee Services and Special Operations. His innovative thinking and collaborative approach have consistently led to improvements within the department.
I know Deputy Chief Logan will work hard for San Diegans and continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of everyone in every neighborhood across the city. |
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Safe Parking Program at H Barracks Receives Key Vote of Approval |
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The Safe Parking Program at H Barracks near the airport is moving forward after a unanimous vote of approval by the California Coastal Commission. This approval at a public hearing this week followed several months of community engagement as plans for the site were developed.
The Safe Parking Program at H Barracks will provide approximately 190 spaces, security and lighting, restrooms, administration trailers for resource providers, a pet relief area and more. The temporary site will support our efforts to bring people off the streets and into a safe environment where they can access essential resources and services to help end their homelessness.
Phase 2 of the project includes the potential for two temporary Sprung structures on site to shelter up to 300 people. This second phase is part of a contingency plan should the 1,000- bed shelter campus at Hope @ Vine not receive City Council approval. Should Phase 2 be pursued, it would include the full scope of on-site services and resources to help people transition off the streets and into permanent housing.
San Diego's homelessness crisis requires bold action. Since I took office, we have more than doubled the number of options people have to get off the street and developed varied shelter models to address specific populations' needs. The Safe Parking Program, which has been successful in helping participants find permanent housing, is critical as the number of people living in their cars has increased by 44% over the past year.
The H Barracks site will serve families, seniors, students, and veterans and offer restrooms, housing navigation, mental health services and job training.
This initiative, along with the Hope @ Vine shelter campus, will positively impact thousands of San Diegans over the next few years. |
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City of San Diego Receives Upgrade in Credit Ratings |
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Fitch has upgraded the City of San Diego’s credit ratings, affirming our strong fiscal management and the City’s vital role in the national economy.
Specifically, they have raised our Issuer Default Rating from “AA” to “AA+.” Additionally, Fitch upgraded various bonds and loans.
These upgrades are because of the sound, fiscally responsible actions we have taken at the City. This recognition underscores our commitment to providing high-quality financial services with integrity, transparency, and accountability. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire financial team and the responsible fiscal policies we’ve implemented.
Fitch is a globally recognized organization that evaluates the creditworthiness of entities, including cities, by assessing their financial stability, risk, and management practices. The ratings provided by Fitch are crucial for cities like San Diego because they affect the cost of borrowing money. Higher credit ratings typically mean lower interest rates on bonds and loans, which translates to significant savings for taxpayers. These ratings also enhance investor confidence and reflect the City’s ability to meet its financial obligations, thus supporting continued economic growth and stability.
San Diego's fiscal health is crucial for our continued growth and prosperity, and I’m proud of our progress in ensuring a stable and thriving future for our city. |
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GETTING IT DONE - FIXING OUR STREETS |
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Road Repair Projects in Mission Valley, Serra Mesa and Grantville |
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Our road repair efforts continue to make streets safer and smoother across San Diego. Recent slurry projects on Gramercy Drive, Sandrock Road, Rebecca Avenue, Aero Drive, Friars Road and Mission Gorge Road have been completed and freshly striped with separated bikeways and high visibility markings. These projects are part of our commitment to improving road conditions citywide, ensuring safer travel for all. |
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MAYOR GLORIA AROUND TOWN |
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Launching Second Saturdays Cleanup Series |
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We officially launched the new "Second Saturdays" series of community cleanups! Partnering with organizations like Street Stewards and I Love A Clean San Diego, dozens of volunteers, including Councilmember Stephen Whitburn and myself, gathered at the Civic Center Concourse outside City Hall to pick up trash and debris from Downtown streets. |
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This collaborative effort demonstrated the power of community involvement in beautifying our neighborhoods and preventing trash from reaching our beaches and bays. The success of this event marks the beginning of a citywide initiative to encourage volunteers throughout neighborhoods across San Diego to organize or participate in future Second Saturday monthly cleanups, rolling up their sleeves to help make San Diego a cleaner city for everyone. Learn more here. |
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Kicking Off Pride Celebrations at She Fest in Hillcrest |
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Hundreds of community members gathered at the Hillcrest Pride Flag for She Fest 2024. This annual event helps kickoff San Diego Pride celebrations. I got to mingle with attendees and witness the vibrant celebration and talents of LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people in our city. She Fest and other Pride events like it help continue to foster inclusivity and support for our LGBTQ+ community. Special thanks to the all-volunteer committee for organizing such an empowering and important event. |
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The Dedication of the Liebermensch Family Comfort Facility |
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The Liebermensch Family Comfort Facility at the Jewish Family Service (JFS) campus is a new facility that provides much-needed amenities for people in our Safe Parking program. It’s equipped with ADA-accessible showers, baby changing stations, and restrooms for people experiencing homelessness in their vehicles. It was an honor to join the generous and numerous donors who made this crucial project possible. This dedication event highlighted the City’s continued commitment to provide diverse homeless services and the vital role JFS plays in our community. |
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Annual Filipino American Friendship Festival |
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The 4th Annual Filipino American Friendship Festival at NTC Park in Liberty Station was a vibrant celebration of Filipino culture, arts, and cuisine. It was a joy to connect with our Filipino community and witness the incredible performances and exhibits from local businesses and service organizations. The event also highlighted the “San Diego Loves Maui” initiative, supporting Lahaina's recovery efforts. |
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COMMUNITY UPDATES |
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Supporting Low-Income Renters: The Coordinated Eviction Prevention System (CEPS) Program |
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City Heights CDC has launched the Coordinated Eviction Prevention System (CEPS) to help low-income households in San Diego County avoid eviction. The program offers services like case management and supportive services. To qualify, applicants must reside in San Diego County, not currently have an eviction notice, and meet low-income requirements.
For more details, visit City Heights CDC's CEPS program or contact ceps@cityheightscdc.org.
To learn more about the City of San Diego’s Eviction Prevention Program, click here. |
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AgeWell Services Launches Summer Camp for Adults 60+ |
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This summer, the Parks and Recreation Department’s AgeWell Services program is introducing a three-day Summer Camp for adults aged 60 and better, from July 16-18, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Activities include art, play, and gardening, with events at Balboa Park, Morley Field, and Park de la Cruz.
Participants will enjoy museum visits, picnics, games, and more. Registration is $45 for three days or per day options are available. For details, visit sdrecconnect.com using code 115233 or call 619-525-8247. |
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Learn More about Serving Your City |
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The City has 49 Boards and Commissions that advise my administration and the City Council on many important issues. My office’s Director of Appointments/Boards and Commissions is hosting a Lunch + Learn at noon on July 24 where you can hear all about the many opportunities to serve on a Board or Commission and how to apply.
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U.S. Passport Services Expanded Pop-Up Events Across the City |
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The Office of the City Clerk passport services will host pop-up events at various City of San Diego libraries through May 2025. These events will provide full-service passport processing including passport photos.
Here are the upcoming scheduled pop-up events:
July 26, 2024, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Appointments are available now at www.sandiego.gov/passports
August 2, 2024, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Appointments are available now at www.sandiego.gov/passports
The following locations will have appointments available 30 days before the event. To be added to our interest list, please sign up at this link.
Mira Mesa Library, 8405 New Salem Street - September 2024
Paradise Hills Library, 5922 Rancho Hills Drive - October 2024
Pacific Beach/Taylor Library, 4275 Cass Street - November 2024
Mission Valley Library, 2123 Fenton Parkway - February 2025
Linda Vista Library, 2160 Ulric Street - March 2025
North Park Library, 3795 31st Street - April 2025
Ocean Beach Library, 4801 Santa Monica Boulevard - May 2025
To view more information about applying for your U.S. Passport, or for your child, please visit our website at www.sandiego.gov/passports. To contact us for an appointment please call 619-533-4000 or email cityclerk@sandiego.gov. |
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Upcoming USIBWC San Diego Citizens Forum |
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Join the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) for an in-person and virtual public meeting on July 10 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the Coronado Community Center.
The meeting will cover updates on the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant and regional wastewater projects, with presentations from Morgan Rogers of the USIBWC and the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation. Public comments are welcome.
For more information and to join the meeting virtually, visit the USIBWC website. |
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Environmental Justice Element Receives City Council Approval |
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On July 1, the San Diego City Council adopted a new Environmental Justice Element as part of the City’s General Plan.
This element aims to center environmental justice in the City's planning process by addressing pollution, health risks, and access to public facilities.
Extensive community engagement informed the policies, focusing on inclusive public engagement and improving conditions in Environmental Justice Communities. This initiative represents a significant step towards creating equitable and healthy communities for all San Diegans.
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Free Summer Meals for Kids |
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FREE summer meals for your kids are available this summer for ages 18 and under!
The San Diego Unified School District is once again partnering with the City of San Diego and the California State Library to offer nutritious and delicious food during the summer months.
Meal locations include select San Diego Unified schools, libraries, parks & recreation centers, and other community sites.
The Summer Feeding Program kicks off June 10 and continues through August 2, open Monday through Friday. Times and locations listed here. |
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San Diego Regional Cyber Lab Supports Local Businesses with Cyber Security Needs |
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The City of San Diego’s Cyber Lab has launched "My eCISO," an AI-powered web-based resource designed to help public and private organizations enhance their cybersecurity. This chatbot assists users, such as small business owners, in developing a cybersecurity program by evaluating their current defenses and providing actionable steps for improvement.
The initiative, created in collaboration with California Polytechnic State University and Amazon Web Services, aims to support organizations without a dedicated Chief Information Security Officer.
Users can interact with the AI chatbot through a natural language interview to assess their cybersecurity status and receive a detailed report card with recommendations based on NIST guidance. Prioritizing security and trust, My eCISO ensures that only the original data submitter can access their information, with conversations automatically deleted after 30 days. This tool is part of San Diego’s Regional Cyber Lab offerings, which provide cybersecurity training and resources to the local community.
To get started, visit myeciso.com. |
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