In This Issue:

Message from the Sheriff ● Local Leaders Tour Vista Detention Facility as Planning for the Future Moves Forward ● Building Bridges: The Sheriff’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Council ● Keeping Our Community Safe: New Vehicle Theft Methods to Know About ● Keeping You Safe at the San Diego County Fair ● Celebrating Father’s Day in San Diego County ● Upcoming Events

Message from the Sheriff

June brings the official start of summer on the 21st, ushering in longer days and more opportunities to enjoy all that our community has to offer. It is also a month filled with important milestones for our local graduates, whether completing kindergarten, middle school, high school, or college; we congratulate you on your hard work and achievements.

With graduation celebrations comes increased travel and gatherings. As we enjoy these well‑earned festivities, we remind everyone to drive safely, avoid impaired driving, and make responsible choices. If you find yourself hosting parties or gatherings, be sure to learn about the social host ordinance. Our deputies will be out in the community to help keep our roads safe, and we ask for your partnership in looking out for one another.

This month, we are also excited to host over 100 young women at the Sheriff Junior Women’s Academy from June 16–18. This free, three‑day program introduces young women to the many career paths within law enforcement and public safety in San Diego County. We look forward to welcoming participants to this empowering experience.

June also gives us the opportunity to honor Father’s Day on the 21st. We recognize the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures whose guidance and dedication help shape the next generation and strengthen our community.

Finally, June is Pride Month. Since 2013, the Sheriff’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Council has served as a vital bridge between the community and our Office, helping inform policies and strengthen trust. As Sheriff, I remain committed to supporting this work and fostering an inclusive environment for both our staff and the public we serve. I encourage everyone to take time this month to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community and the rich history that contributes to making San Diego County a welcoming place for all.

Wishing you all a safe, joyful, and connected June as we move into the summer season.

Sincerely,

Kelly A. Martinez, Sheriff

Exterior view of the Vista Detention Facility, a large modern concrete building with multiple connected sections and security fencing. The entrance gate is centered in the foreground, surrounded by landscaped flower beds and greenery. Hills and open land are visible in the background under early evening light.

Local Leaders Tour Vista Detention Facility as Planning for the Future Moves Forward

Sheriff Martinez recently hosted North County mayors and County Supervisor Anderson for an in‑depth tour of the Vista Detention Facility, offering regional leaders a direct look at the current condition of the aging jail and the considerations shaping its long‑term future.

The visit provided a clear, firsthand understanding of the facility’s infrastructure challenges, daily operations, and the limitations that affect both staff and individuals in custody. As the group moved through housing units, medical areas, and shared spaces, Sheriff Martinez highlighted the growing need to modernize the facility in order to better support today’s standards for medical and mental health services. With behavioral health needs rising across the county, the Sheriff underscored that detention facilities must be equipped to meet those demands effectively and humanely. Key topics included expanding clinical capacity, improving access to care, and designing spaces that better support safety, treatment, and rehabilitation.

A panel seated at a table during an indoor event. A uniformed individual speaks into a microphone, with water bottles and notes on the table. Other panelists sit beside the speaker, and audience members are visible in the foreground. A presentation screen with text is displayed behind the panel.

The tour also emphasized the importance of transparency and ongoing collaboration. By inviting local elected leaders to see the facility firsthand, the Sheriff’s Office aims to ensure that future decisions are grounded in shared understanding and informed community dialogue. This approach reflects a broader commitment to engaging stakeholders at every step of the planning process.

A group of people stand in a semi‑circle inside a room with blue flooring and light-colored walls. Several individuals wear uniforms, while others wear professional clothing. One person in the center is speaking to the group. Office equipment, cabinets, and a colorful poster are visible in the background.

June 16: Continuing the Conversation on Strengthening Medical and Mental Health Care in Detention

Community members will have the next opportunity to join the conversation at the second Community Engagement Session on June 16th at the Encinitas Community Center. This upcoming event will focus on the future of the Vista Detention Facility with particular attention on improving medical and mental health services within the detention environment. Residents will be able to hear updates, ask questions, and contribute their perspectives as planning efforts continue.

The Sheriff’s Office encourages broad community participation. Continued engagement will play an essential role in developing a modern, safe, and responsive facility that supports better outcomes for individuals in custody, staff, and the wider community.

Building Bridges: The Sheriff’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Council

Article by

William Lopez, Advisory Council Chair

As we celebrate PRIDE Month, it is important to recognize not only the progress that has been made within the LGBTQ+ community, but also the continued importance of communication, trust, visibility, and partnership between public safety agencies and the communities they serve.

A group of nine people stand together in front of a wall with text that reads “San Diego County Sheriff.” The group includes individuals in uniforms and professional clothing, standing side by side and facing the camera. The background is a simple indoor setting with neutral walls and flooring.

The San Diego County Sheriff’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Council was created to help strengthen that partnership. Established in 2013, the council is made up of volunteer community leaders, advocates, organizers, and professionals from across San Diego County who work collaboratively with the Sheriff’s Office to identify issues affecting LGBTQ+ individuals and families.

The council serves as a bridge between the community and the department by fostering dialogue, providing feedback, sharing lived experiences, and helping improve understanding on both sides.

Our work focuses on improving public safety, building trust, encouraging open communication, and supporting education and cultural competency within law enforcement. Over the years, the council has contributed to meaningful conversations surrounding policies, training, outreach, and inclusion.

The Sheriff’s Office has implemented and expanded initiatives that include LGBTQ+ cultural competency training, guidance and procedures related to transgender, intersex, and non-binary individuals in custody, community engagement efforts, and participation in Pride events throughout the county.

This work is deeply personal to me. My late husband served as an Assistant Chief of Police and was someone who genuinely believed in the importance of building relationships between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community. Long before many agencies were having these conversations openly, he understood that trust is earned through visibility, respect, listening, and engagement. He worked hard to help bridge gaps, create dialogue, and ensure members of the LGBTQ+ community felt acknowledged and supported.

A group of uniformed Sheriff’s Department personnel and other attendees stand in a row holding award plaques in front of an ADL-branded backdrop decorated with balloon columns. The photo is taken outdoors in front of a modern building with large windows and stone pillars.

Edith Sanchez, the Community Inclusion Director, stands at the front of a room and presents a Spanish Academy certificate to a participant. The background features a wall filled with framed historical photographs, and audience members are seated in the foreground.

Several individuals stand in a line outdoors holding certificates. A Sheriff’s Department vehicle is parked behind them, displaying a badge emblem on the door. Trees and scattered yellow petals are visible around the paved area.

A large group of uniformed and non‑uniformed individuals are gathered outdoors on a grassy area, standing in a wide formation. Trees and buildings are visible in the background, along with several colorful flags and umbrellas. The group faces the camera in an open park‑like setting.

My commitment to serving on this council — and now serving as Chairperson — is, in many ways, a continuation of that work and a way to honor his legacy. I believe strongly that representation matters and that having community voices at the table leads to stronger relationships and better outcomes for everyone involved. Progress happens when people are willing to come together, have honest conversations, and remain committed to understanding one another.

I joined the council three years ago because I wanted to be part of those conversations and help continue building meaningful connections between the community and law enforcement. This year, I had the honor of being selected as Chairperson of the Sheriff’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Council, and I take that responsibility seriously.

One of the things I appreciate most about the council is that it brings together people with different experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who all share a common goal: improving understanding and helping make San Diego County safer and more inclusive for everyone.

A group of uniformed and non‑uniformed individuals participate in a street parade, walking together and holding a large banner. Several people near the front of the group have one arm raised. A traffic light, buildings, and spectators lined along the street are visible in the background.

To members of the LGBTQ+ community, I want you to know that your voice matters. If you have concerns, questions, ideas, or experiences you believe should be shared, we encourage you to reach out. Community input helps shape conversations and allows the council to better understand the needs and concerns of those we serve.

PRIDE Month is about celebration, visibility, resilience, and community. It is also a reminder that meaningful progress is built through continued dialogue, education, and partnership. I am proud to serve as Chairperson of the Sheriff’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Council and proud to be part of efforts that continue building connections across our San Diego communities.

Keeping Our Community Safe:
New Vehicle Theft Methods to Know About

Auto theft is changing, and thieves are now using new technology to make it easier and faster to steal vehicles. To help everyone stay informed and protected, we want to share two methods that have recently become more common: Relay Theft and Autel Device Theft.

Relay Theft happens when two thieves work together to capture the signal from your key fob, even when it’s inside your home. One person stands near your front door or window with a device that boosts the key fob’s signal, while the other waits by your vehicle. Once the signal is captured, the car unlocks and starts as if the key were right there, allowing thieves to drive away without causing any damage.

Thieves are also using Autel Devices, handheld tools that can replicate key fobs, unlock doors, start vehicles, and even reprogram a car’s systems. These devices work on many key‑fob vehicles, making them a growing concern.

The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself:

Use a steering wheel lock to discourage thieves.
Install a kill switch or a reliable alarm system.
Turn on any anti-theft apps or notifications your vehicle’s manufacturer provides.
Park in well‑lit areas whenever possible.
Keep your key fobs in a Faraday pouch or metal container to block the signal.
Store key fobs away from doors, windows, and exterior walls.
Use your vehicle’s “double‑lock” or motion‑sensor settings if available.

By staying aware and taking a few simple precautions, we can all help reduce the risk of vehicle theft in our neighborhoods. If you ever need assistance or have concerns, you can reach our non‑emergency line at (858) 868‑3200—and of course, call 9‑1‑1 in an emergency.

A person wearing a hooded sweatshirt is crouched beside a parked car at dusk, holding a flashlight and a tool up to the vehicle’s door. The scene is dimly lit, with city lights visible in the background.

A close-up nighttime scene showing a handheld alcohol-screening device held by a uniformed deputy near an individual who is standing beside others. A red canopy with partially visible text is overhead, and the background includes blurred lights and figures, suggesting an active enforcement area. Let me know if you’d like a shorter or more formal version!

Steering wheel lock

A small open lockbox with a light-colored interior is displayed against a dark blue background. Next to the lockbox are two textured signal‑blocking key pouches with metal keyring loops.

Faraday pouch and metal container to block signal from theives

Keeping You Safe at the San Diego County Fair

As you make your plans to attend the fair, we encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly. Please designate a sober driver, use rideshare services when possible and remember: buzzed driving is drunk driving. Making safe choices helps protect not only you but everyone sharing the road.

A graphic featuring the text “San Diego County Fair – Once Upon a Fair 2026” displayed in bold, colorful lettering. The background shows a blurred fairground scene with rides, lights, and crowds.

A roadway scene at night with emergency vehicle lights illuminating the area. Bold yellow text in the center reads “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” Logos for a law enforcement agency and NHTSA appear at the bottom of the image.

Two uniformed individuals stand side by side at an outdoor fairground, with a large Ferris wheel, colorful booths, and visitors walking in the background under a bright blue sky.

Celebrating Father’s Day in San Diego County

Father’s Day is a time to honor the dedication, guidance, and strength that fathers bring to their families and communities. The Sheriff’s Office extends its appreciation to all fathers, father‑figures, and caregivers throughout San Diego County, including the many who serve within our organization. As the holiday approaches, we encourage everyone to take a moment to recognize and thank the important father‑figures in their lives. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office wishes everyone a safe and meaningful Father’s Day.