San Diego is breaking records when it comes to safer, more accessible neighborhoods. By the end of this fiscal year, we’re on track to replace more than 1,200 damaged sidewalk locations —nearly triple our previous record! 

This unprecedented progress reflects our commitment to improving everyday infrastructure across the city. Led by the Transportation Department’s Sidewalk Maintenance Program team, these replacements are happening in neighborhoods citywide, repairing broken and hazardous sections that are the City’s responsibility to fix. 

These improvements not only enhance walkability and accessibility, but they also support public safety and protect the City from costly lawsuits. This milestone was made possible thanks to strategic planning, close coordination with Urban Forestry staff, and strong partnerships with the Engineering and Capital Projects Department. And we’ll be making even more investments in sidewalks with the passage of parking reforms, with all of the increased parking revenues going to street and sidewalk improvements. 

Our sidewalk network is one of the top 10 infrastructure assets in San Diego—and we’re treating it like it. This is how we’re delivering real results for residents and building a city that works for everyone. 

SB 92, a bill to reform California’s Density Bonus Law, has passed the State Senate—moving one step closer to becoming law. Sponsored by my office and authored by Senator Catherine Blakespear, this legislation ensures the Density Bonus program is used to build more homes, not primarily commercial or hotel space. 

SB 92 provides that concessions, incentives, and development waivers under density bonus law (DBL) do not apply to the hotel or motel component of a mixed-use housing development project. This fix is especially urgent in San Diego, where a proposed high-rise in Pacific Beach misused the law to prioritize luxury hotel rooms over housing. 

We need to #BuildMoreHousing—especially affordable housing—and SB 92 is a smart, pro-housing reform that helps us do just that. 

The short answer to this week’s question is: It’s already happening, but it will take time.

California’s Daylighting Law (AB 413) prohibits parking a vehicle within 20 feet approaching any marked or unmarked crosswalk—or within 15 feet of a crosswalk where a curb extension is present. The goal is to improve visibility so drivers can better see pedestrians crossing the street. The law went into effect on Jan. 1, and enforcement is now underway across San Diego. 

Right now, the City is incorporating red curb painting into all public improvement projects within the right-of-way —such as when we're resurfacing streets, repairing sidewalks, or making other planned improvements. We’re not not about to paint every eligible curb proactively, as there are thousands of affected intersections, and our hard-working City crews must keep up with other critical maintenance and safety tasks. 

We will proactively paint curbs in San Diego’s highest-crash corridors and our densest urban neighborhoods, and we’ll evaluate locations near schools, parks, or other high-pedestrian areas for curb painting. But most red curb installations will rely on integration with other infrastructure projects.  

San Diegans should also know that enforcement is based on the law, not curb paint. You can be cited for parking within the restricted zones even if there is no red curb or signage. Learn more about how to measure the 20-foot rule and stay in compliance: sandiego.gov/parking/enforcement/daylighting 

Have a question for next week’s ‘Ask the Mayor’? Vote below or email us at askthemayor@sandiego.gov. 
 
▪️ What are City employees, the Mayor and City Council doing to help save money or generate new revenue so the impacts of the deficit aren’t as drastic? 

▪️ What is the City doing about short-term vacation rentals (such as Airbnb and VRBO) taking up housing stock?  

▪️ Can you explain the basics of the ADU reform? What impact does it have on us achieving our housing goals? 

If you’ve been noticing pops of purple across the city, you’re not alone. Jacaranda trees are in full bloom, and San Diegans are capturing the view. These iconic trees—officially recognized as the City of San Diego’s official urban tree—are beloved for their vibrant flowers and shady canopies. 

The jacaranda tree’s roots run deep in San Diego history, thanks to horticulturist Kate Sessions, who is credited as bringing jacarandas to our region in the late 1800s. Today, they brighten streets and neighborhoods each spring and summer. 

Want to see just how magical jacaranda season looks around town? Search “Jacaranda San Diego” on Instagram and enjoy the view.