Want to keep parking lots free at our beaches and bays? I have a plan. I need your help.

San Diego’s beaches and bays are among our city’s most treasured public spaces, providing residents and visitors with access to recreation, open space, and our beautiful coastline.

That is why I am bringing forward a proposal to the Rules Committee this Wednesday, March 18, 2026, to place a measure on the ballot to maintain free parking in City-owned beach and bay parking lots, helping ensure that these areas remain accessible to the public. The measure would codify the City’s longstanding practice of keeping these coastal lots free, preserving access to our beaches and bays for families across San Diego. As one of the councilmembers who voted "no" on charging you to park at Balboa Park, I know the community wants this, and small businesses, non-profits, and middle-class San Diegans need this to provide some relief from rising fees.

If you support keeping our coastline accessible, please consider voicing your support at he Rules Committee meeting. Follow this link to register your support and learn how you can attend the meeting either in-person or virtually. The measure would protect City-owned beach and bay parking lots from fees in the future. Your voice can help ensure our beaches and bays remain open and accessible for everyone.

Small business outreach at Paradise Yogurt

I had the pleasure of stopping by Paradise Yogurt, a family-run frozen yogurt shop that has operated in Mission Valley for 35 years. I visited as part of my monthly small business outreach, which allows me an opportunity to connect with local businesses and discuss how the City of San Diego can best support their success.

If you have not been to Paradise Yogurt, I highly recommend you bring friends or family to try it out. I had two smoothies – the Pot of Gold and Caribbean Blast – which were both delicious. If you don’t want to take my word for it, just ask Padres legend Trevor Hoffman, who still visits regularly.

Thank you to owner Julie Tice for having me by. I look forward to bringing my family back for more of your award-winning smoothies, bowls, and yogurt!

My e-bike proposal unanimously passed the Public Safety Committee

On Wednesday, my e-bike regulations aimed at improving public safety for children and families across the City of San Diego unanimously passed the City Council’s Public Safety Committee.

I’m grateful to my committee colleagues for their alignment on pushing this critical issue forward. I also want to give credit to Assemblymember Tasha Boerner since it was her Assembly Bill (AB) 2234 that set the groundwork for these regulations at the state level. The e-bike regulations will be brought to the full City Council for final approval in the coming weeks. If approved, a comprehensive public outreach campaign would be launched to promote education-first enforcement while strengthening parent and youth training and accountability.

Our effort to move this policy to the full City Council was greatly helped by Tierrasanta Girl Scout Troop 4343, who attended the meeting and spoke on their own efforts to keep young people safe on e-bikes. Their presentation and public comment were moving and insightful. Thank you, Troop 4343, for showing up on behalf of your community!

District 7 Woman of Distinction: Allison Garner

Every March, the City Council and Mayor’s office host an event to recognize outstanding women in the City of San Diego. I present to you the 2026 District 7 honoree, Allison Garner.

After the tragic plane crash in Murphy Canyon last May, Allison stepped forward to support the 42 military families impacted by coordinating resources, securing housing, and leading recovery efforts during an incredibly difficult time.

A military spouse and mother herself, Allison showed extraordinary compassion, quiet dedication, and outstanding leadership when our community needed it most. Thank you, Allison, for your service, your heart, and for being a true hero to our community.

Taking a look at Jackson Drive

If you read my newsletters, you know I am a huge fan of the City’s in-house Mill and Pave Team. Because of their hard work, we are able to execute efficient, responsive road repairs on the San Diego roads that need it most.

I brought Rafael along to take a look at work happening on Jackson Drive (and the recently repaved portion of Cowles Mountain Boulevard). He was happy to watch the trucks go by and I was happy to meet our hard-working Transportation staff that make these repairs possible.

Big thank you to the Transportation Department. You continue to deliver outstanding work that my neighbors and I deeply appreciate!

Sincerely,