What you’re saying re: Mission Bay bathrooms

“To close half of the current facilities now available to the public who visit Mission Bay and other public spaces is incredibly cruel to families with new mothers, for those with certain medical conditions that have bladder urgencies and incontinence as side effects, and to seniors and others who plan to stay at the Bay for hours, but aren't able to walk far to find an open restroom... It is a foolish choice to make to a famous and cherished area visited by tourists from around the globe, and it will deter future visits to San Diego once word gets out” - DG

I hear you loud and clear. For those of you who have also reached out to me regarding Mission Bay bathrooms, and to those who have heard the news and felt disappointment over this development, here are my thoughts:

While I voted for the FY27 Final Budget, I made it clear during the budget process that I did not support the closure of these restrooms: “I also want to flag the proposed restroom closures and maintenance reductions across Mission Bay, the shoreline, Fiesta Island. It’s a hugely important asset and we have to at least get the basics right.

When we cut something as basic as restrooms, restroom maintenance and general park upkeep, we send a message to the tourism stakeholders who help sustain our city budget – attracting visitors who also contribute to our budget – that their contributions are not valued. We must continue to prioritize investment in our parks. A restroom is not a luxury in a public park. It is the basic promise that a family, a senior, a tourist, or a worker can actually use the public space we say belongs to them.

I continue to believe that keeping these facilities closed presents a public health and safety concern for the thousands of residents and visitors who use Mission Bay Park.

Additionally, I will soon be introducing an ordinance to continue promoting public access to Mission Bay Park by maintaining free parking, helping ensure the park remains affordable and accessible for residents and visitors alike.

Do you live in a floodplain? It’s time to think about El Niño

As you might have heard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other weather groups sources predict a strong El Niño this year. While we have some time before the season, the City of San Diego is advising preparation in advance.

As with all kinds of storms, knowing your risk and having a plan is the most important thing you can do to prepare. Check to see if your home is in a flood plain and prepare an emergency plan that you can enact with your family and neighbors when flood-potential weather occurs.

You can review the San Diego flood plain and find resources for planning here.

Sidewalks and street signs in Serra Mesa!

This week, we successfully replaced a desperately needed sidewalk on the West side of Mission Center Road and added street signs for a previously unmarked alleyway in Serra Mesa. These important projects were completed by City staff in response to constituent requests.

Know of another needed road improvement in the community? Let us know by responding to this email.

In Turning to Trade School, Gen Z Confronts an Enduring Stigma - NYT

Something I’ve chatted with local leaders and educators about is our capacity to better support students that want to pursue vocational careers. This New York Times article offers some insight into the social pressures that those students face and demonstrates why our regional investment is an economically intuitive one.

“Today’s students have watched tuition climb over the course of their lifetimes. Lately they have had front-row seats to a brutal early-career job market that is being further destabilized by the rise of artificial intelligence. Rather than despair, a growing number of young people have concluded that skilled trades like welding, plumbing and construction might be a pragmatic way forward.

[One young woman] signed up for a four-year apprenticeship with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. She makes $21 an hour working while taking free classes to become a licensed member of her union. The average yearly pay for I.B.E.W. electricians is close to $90,000.”

A good economy relies upon a flourishing public. Vocational jobs and programs, like those we have at our community college districts, are putting money into the hands of young workers. I would love to see stronger regional investments in these kinds of programs and a better culture surrounding how we support young people choosing that path for themselves.