As of July 1, the City of San Diego has implemented the new monthly Solid Waste Management Fee for approximately 226,500 homes that receive City-provided trash and recycling services. The standard fee is $43.60 per month and covers 95-gallon trash, recycling, and organics bins. The charge will appear on property tax bills beginning October 2025, billed twice per year. Smaller bins are available at a reduced rate.

I voted NO on this fee because I remain concerned about the financial impact it places on working families, seniors, and historically underserved communities like ours. Despite my opposition, and that of some of my colleagues, the measure passed and is now in effect citywide.

To support residents who may be impacted, City Council will work with the Environmental Services Department to develop a financial assistance program, with more details to be shared as they become available.

Look out for a mailer with instructions to access the new Residential Waste Collection Services Portal, where residents can select bin sizes. Selections must be submitted by September 30.

For more information, visit

sandiego.gov/trash-service-updates,

email trash@sandiego.gov, or call 858-694-7000.

On July 26th, my office hosted a Dumpster Day Clean Up! Thank you to everyone who came out, from neighbors to volunteers and my office team, your efforts made an impact in helping our neighborhoods become a little cleaner and safer. Events like this are about more than just clearing out trash, they’re about strengthening our communities and improving our shared quality of life. I’m proud of what we accomplished together.  

On July 19, I joined my City Council colleagues and thousands of San Diegans at the annual Pride Parade. The event highlighted our city’s commitment to inclusion, visibility, and unity, and offered a meaningful opportunity to connect with residents across the city. I’m grateful for the chance to walk alongside community partners and to support a San Diego where everyone is seen and valued. We’ll keep working to advance equity so all of our neighbors feel safe and welcome.

Nothing brings our community together like good food, live music, local vendors, and Black excellence. On June 28th, the San Diego Black Arts + Culture District Second Annual Music Festival brought all of that! With June being Black Music Month, it was a great time to show love to our local artists, entrepreneurs, and neighbors who make our culture shine. This festival was a reminder of how powerful it is when we come together to celebrate and uplift our community

I had the honor of recognizing Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated's incredible legacy with a proclamation declaring June 24, 2025, Sigma Gamma Rho Day in the City of San Diego—the same day the Alumnae Chapter celebrated 75 years. We were also joined by Mrs. Lelya Sampson, a retired San Diego teacher who spent 50 years shaping young minds, a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated since 1953 — that’s 72 years!! — and who recently celebrated her 104th birthday! Her life is a reminder of what it means to serve others with heart and dedication.

On June 21st, the Cooper Family Foundation held their Annual Juneteenth Celebration. For over 50 years, this celebration has been led by the Cooper Family where we come together to celebrate and commemorate this historic day with food, community and to recognize Black culture in San Diego. Grateful for the chance to celebrate freedom, community, and culture with neighbors at Memorial Park. Big thank you to the Cooper family for keeping this tradition alive.

On Saturday, June 14th, City Council showed up at Waterfront Park to march in solidarity with over 50,000 San Diegans for the global No Kings March. We stood shoulder to shoulder with our community and communities around the world, calling for dignity, freedom, and self-determination. When we rise together, we build power together.

On May 18, I joined Phat Camp and their partners for a meaningful day of service honoring the legacy of Lamar L. Canady Sr. Together, we helped distribute food to more than 300 families through the San Diego Food Bank. It was a great reminder of what it means to show up for one another. I’m thankful to serve alongside so many dedicated neighbors. This is what community looks like in District 4. 

On May 17, I attended I Love My Parks Day at MLK Rec Center — a day filled with youth sports, art, music, and free meals for kids. Events like this show how important Parks and Recreation is to our communities. Our parks are gathering places we use for community connection and youth development. Thank you to the San Diego Parks Foundation for bringing this day to life. I’ll keep pushing to protect and expand these critical services so every family can enjoy safe, vibrant parks close to home.

On April 19, I had the privilege of joining the Lao New Year celebration at Wat Lao Buddharam temple in District 4. Thank you to Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee for joining us in honoring this important occasion. I also want to congratulate the organizers for their work in bringing this vibrant celebration to life. It was an honor to participate in the opening ceremony and witness the pride and unity of the Lao community. Celebrations like this play an important role in preserving culture, tradition, and connection across our neighborhoods.

On April 2, I had the pleasure of highlighting SDG&E’s San Diego Solar Equity Program in the Lomita neighborhood of District 4. This initiative, created through the City’s Energy Cooperation Agreement with SDG&E, is focused on removing barriers that have prevented many families from accessing solar technology. As part of the program rollout, families impacted by the January floods were prioritized, ensuring support reaches those who need it most. By expanding access to clean energy, we’re advancing environmental justice and helping more households lower their energy costs. Programs like this are key to making sure all communities benefit from San Diego’s clean energy future. I’ll continue to support efforts that bring equity and sustainability together.