As your Mayor, I’ve been committed to addressing the urgent mental health crisis affecting so many in our community. That’s why I sponsored and pushed for Senate Bill 43, a critical reform that modernizes California’s outdated mental health conservatorship laws. 

This law expands eligibility for conservatorship to ensure that those who cannot manage their medical care or personal safety, including those suffering from severe mental illness or substance-use disorders, receive the care they desperately need. Many of the people in greatest need can be seen suffering alone out on our streets.  

I’m deeply concerned about the delays by counties across the state, including here in San Diego, to implement the crucial reforms in Senate Bill 43. Governor Gavin Newsom recently voiced the same concerns, and his message is clear: These delays are unacceptable and are costing lives. I could not agree more.  

Last year, our San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to delay the implementation of SB 43. This decision, unfortunately, leaves many vulnerable residents without the help they need. 

I stand with County Supervisors Terra Lawson Remer and Joel Anderson, who voted against this delay, and I will continue to advocate fiercely for the swift and full implementation of SB 43. Our community cannot afford further delays in providing essential mental health support. 

Our City’s ongoing outreach and housing efforts near City Heights are making significant strides in addressing homelessness along the I-15 corridor. 

Thanks to funding from the state’s Encampment Resolution Fund, we’ve been able to address dozens of homeless encampments near Park de la Cruz at Landis and 38th streets. These grant funds provide dedicated, ongoing financial assistance to ensure a stable home is found for people living in the encampments. 

In addition to housing, the outreach efforts provide a compassionate blend of supportive services and diversion programs, helping individuals end their homelessness without the need for police intervention. The City is implementing this program in partnership with Caltrans and nonprofit service providers. 

So far, 18 people from these encampments in City Heights have entered shelter options, three have been reunited with family, and five have moved into permanent housing, with eight more people on their way to housing.  

Through this collaboration, we’re addressing both immediate needs and long-term stability for our unhoused neighbors. 

The City has been leveraging state Encampment Resolution Fund grants to help clear larger encampments and connect people to housing resources. In addition to Park de la Cruz in City heights, this funding has been successfully used in East Village near the Post Office and Central Avenue Mini Park, and teams have started this work in the San Diego River bed. These ongoing

ERF grants have resulted so far in 54 placements to permanent or transitional housing, 48 connections to shelter options and four reconnections with family. Dedicated funding means people do not have to return to homelessness and a housing option that works for them can be secured. The Governor has applauded San Diego’s efforts to leverage state dollars to end someone’s homelessness and remove encampments. 

The flexibility of this funding allows us to offer temporary housing solutions and cover essential costs like medical co-pays and application fees, ensuring that individuals have a clear path to permanent housing without falling back into homelessness. 

This is a compassionate approach that recognizes the unique needs of each person we assist. We’re committed to expanding these efforts across the city, and I’m proud of the progress we’re making together to improve lives and create safer communities.