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Dear Neighbor,
We stand at a critical juncture in our commitment to addressing the homelessness crisis in San Diego. Later today, the City Council has the opportunity to vote on the Hope @ Vine shelter campus, a project that could turn the tide on homelessness in San Diego.
Over the past three years, we have made significant progress on homelessness, investing in homeless prevention programs including new tenant protections, permitting more affordable housing, more than doubling the number of options available for people to get off the street and connecting thousands of formerly unsheltered people to long-term housing. And yet there are still roughly 3,000 people living outdoors in our city.
The Hope @ Vine Campus represents big, bold action that offers the potential to make a significant positive change in unsheltered homelessness in San Diego. It will be a sanctuary, providing not only a bed but also a pathway to recovery and reintegration into society.
This project is a testament to my administration’s collective resolve to confront this crisis head-on. The campus will be designed to meet diverse needs, with a variety of onsite services and different spaces for families and individuals, with the flexibility to adapt and change the space as those needs evolve. It’s an investment in our city’s moral and social fabric, aimed at providing real, measurable outcomes for those in need.
I urge the City Council to support this game-changing initiative. By backing the Hope @ Vine campus, we are choosing to be leaders who not only talk about change but deliver it. Together, we can turn challenges into triumphs and despair into hope, reshaping the narrative on homelessness in our city.
As always, it’s an honor to serve as your Mayor, |
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City Council Unanimously Passes Bold Sales Tax Initiative |
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The City Council has voted unanimously to place on the November ballot a transformative sales tax initiative proposed by Councilmember Campillo and me. This bold move marks a significant step toward enhancing the quality of life for every San Diegan.
This new funding would enable us to address the multi-billion-dollar infrastructure needs to propel our City into the future, including streets, storm drains, parks, and libraries, plus strengthen our police, fire and lifeguard services and boost our efforts to address homelessness. It also includes the accountability our taxpayers deserve.
The approval of this initiative underscores our collective commitment to building a city that not only functions, but thrives. It's time to move beyond dreaming and planning to taking tangible actions that will benefit San Diegans now and for generations to come.
Thank you to the City Council for their unwavering support and to all San Diegans for your dedication to making our city a better place. Together, we are turning challenges into opportunities and fulfilling San Diego’s great promise. |
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Pride's Economic Impact: Boosting San Diego’s Economy and City Budget |
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San Diego Pride has wrapped up another successful year, bringing together more than a quarter of a million people to celebrate love, diversity, and equity. As the city's largest single-day civic event, Pride has a profound economic impact, generating nearly $30 million for the local economy.
This influx of visitors not only boosts local businesses but also significantly contributes to the City’s budget through the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). With 50,000 hotel room nights booked and substantial earnings from Airbnb hosts, the increased revenue helps fund essential City services, including road repair and public safety.
Events like Pride play a crucial role in maintaining our city’s infrastructure and ensuring a vibrant, thriving community for all San Diegans.
As we celebrate the success of Pride, let’s remember the broader benefits it brings to our city, reinforcing our commitment to inclusivity and economic prosperity. |
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New Advisory Boards Launched to Tackle Climate Risk and Protect Our Environment |
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We have launched two new advisory boards dedicated to safeguarding San Diegans, addressing climate risk, and protecting our natural environment. These boards are crucial to our efforts to implement our Climate Action Plan and Climate Resilient SD Plan.
Thank you to Council President Pro Tem Joe LaCava for his leadership on this issue as the chair of the City's Environment Committee.
“I am proud to have led the formation of the Climate Advisory and Resiliency Advisory Boards. They are the product of considerable stakeholder input and a need for open participation in our City’s Climate Action Plan and Climate Resilient SD Plan,” said Council President Pro Tem Joe LaCava, Chair of the Environment Committee. “Our environmental challenges require a coalition of diverse voices and perspectives. Safeguarding our region’s natural resources and cultivating climate action solutions must engage experts, government and the public. I appreciate those volunteering on these advisory boards.”
The Climate Advisory Board, which held its first meeting in June, will advise on climate, environmental justice, sustainability, and energy policy. It will help engage residents and organizations in guiding the implementation of our Climate Action Plan and addressing climate issues at state and federal levels.
The Resiliency Advisory Board will focus on natural resource conservation, climate resiliency, habitat preservation, and biodiversity. This board will foster relationships between the City and stakeholders in the environmental community.
I am deeply grateful to the dedicated individuals who have stepped up to serve on these boards. Their expertise will be invaluable as we work to protect San Diego’s environment and ensure a sustainable future for all residents.
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GETTING IT DONE - FIXING OUR STREETS |
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Sixth Avenue is Shining |
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Sixth Avenue, from Upas to Laurel Street in Bankers Hill, has received a fresh coat of slurry seal. This heavily used street adjacent to Balboa Park now has an extended lifespan thanks to this treatment, which is designed to maintain roads already in good condition. Keeping our streets in top shape is a priority, and this project is a great example of our ongoing efforts to enhance San Diego's infrastructure. |
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MAYOR GLORIA AROUND TOWN |
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A Safe Place for Survivors |
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I joined the incredible team at Your Safe Place for their annual backpack drive, supporting children of survivors of domestic violence with school supplies. City Attorney Mara Elliott relaunched Your Safe Place to bolster support for victims of domestic violence and expand its services to victims of sex trafficking. I am so proud of everything this Family Justice Center program provides to empower survivors. People in this vital program can seek justice, begin healing, and reclaim their lives. |
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Celebrating 25 Years of Bandar Salaam Apartments |
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The Bandar Salaam Apartments 25th Anniversary Celebration highlighted the incredible work of Community HousingWorks (CHW) in building futures for our community. The celebration showcased the positive impact CHW has had over the years and the exciting plans for the rehabilitation of the 25-year-old affordable housing development in City Heights. |
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Celebrating Pride with San Diego's LGBTQ+ Community |
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I had the honor of attending several incredible events last week that highlight our City's commitment to inclusivity and equality. At "Light Up the Cathedral," we celebrated San Diego Pride alongside our vibrant LGBTQ+ faith community, witnessing the breathtaking sight of St. Paul’s Cathedral illuminated in rainbow colors. I also joined Equality California’s annual pride party in Hillcrest, where we celebrated the organization's 25 years of championing LGBTQ+ rights. These events remind us to be proud, loud, and bold as we continue fighting for justice and equality. |
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Honoring Marshall Faulk at Day at the Races |
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I had the honor of celebrating Marshall Faulk, a legendary athlete and dedicated community activist, at the Day at the Races. From his days at San Diego State University to his NFL career, Marshall has always strived for greatness. Through the Marshall Faulk Foundation, he has tirelessly worked to improve the lives of young people in San Diego, emphasizing education and empowerment. On behalf of the city, I proclaimed July 21, 2024, as "Marshall Faulk Day" in San Diego. |
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COMMUNITY UPDATES |
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Comic-Con is Coming! Comic-Con is Coming! |
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It’s that time again … San Diego’s largest convention and super-gathering will take place from Wednesday, July 24th through Sunday, July 28th. More than 130,000 attendees are expected to fill the San Diego Convention Center for Comic-Con International, with roughly 200,000 more visitors anticipated to descend upon the Downtown area.
Over the last 50 years, Comic-Con has become a San Diego cultural institution, creating magic and memories for locals and visitors from around the globe.
One super tip is to be mindful of the traffic challenges near the Convention Center. To create a fun and safe experience for all individuals walking to, from, and around the Convention Center, Harbor Drive will be closed to vehicular traffic from First Avenue to Park Boulevard during the event as follows:
The City of San Diego is working to upgrade critical infrastructure and a sewer main is currently being replaced south of the Convention Center. The traffic lanes on Harbor Drive from Park Boulevard to Sigsbee Street have been reduced to one lane in each direction and the southbound sidewalk is closed. While the active construction site and traffic control pattern will remain in place, the actual work will be done underground.
Please use the most important superpowers of all: patience and planning! Allow plenty of extra time to get to and from the area. If possible, find alternate routes or use public transportation. |
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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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