For too long, the old Central Library has sat vacant in the heart of our Downtown. This historic property has the potential to become something far greater — housing for San Diegans who need it.
That’s why the City has taken the next step by issuing a Notice of Availability to sell or lease the property at 820 E Street. Developers interested in this site must commit at least 25 percent of the housing to be affordable for lower-income households. This ensures that the project will not only bring new life to a long-abandoned building, but also provide homes that move us closer to solving our housing crisis.
Transforming the old Central Library into housing is about more than repurposing a vacant property — it’s about moving us closer to our goal of a roof over the head of every San Diegan at a price they can afford. We’re turning a symbol of stagnation into one of progress.
As always, it’s an honor to serve as your Mayor.
|
Enforcing Oversized Vehicle Parking Rules, Expanding Safe Parking Options
|
Our beaches and bays are not free RV parks — and for too long, some oversized vehicles have been treated them as such, illegally parking along our streets long term. That’s why we’re ramping up enforcement of the City’s Oversized Vehicle Ordinance.
For a while, enforcement had been tied up by a legal settlement that set conditions for when we could enforce. That’s behind us now with our addition of our fifth and largest Safe Parking lot near the airport that gives people living in their vehicles a safe place to stay overnight. Large vehicles like RVs can no longer park on city streets between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. now that we’ve added more safe places for them to go.
In just the first six weeks, San Diego Police issued nearly 500 citations and referred 120 people to Safe Parking and other services. Officers start by making contact, explaining the violation, and offering immediate placement into Safe Parking. If someone declines, enforcement follows.
I know this issue frustrates many San Diegans. I see the Get It Done reports, and I hear you loud and clear. Please keep reporting through the app — that’s how we dispatch officers. Together, we’ll keep our neighborhoods safe and clean while helping people find a path forward.
|
City Launches First-Ever Community Recreation Needs Assessment
|
San Diego’s first-ever Community Recreation Needs Assessment is now underway — a citywide effort to hear directly from residents about how our Parks and Recreation Department can better serve every neighborhood.
Through surveys, interviews, focus groups, workshops, and public meetings, the City will gather input on recreational needs, communication gaps, and financial barriers that prevent San Diegans from accessing parks and recreation programs. This data will be used to build a detailed action plan that ensures every community has access to safe, welcoming, and high-quality recreational opportunities.
Residents are encouraged to take the short online survey at sandiego.gov/parksurvey by February 28, 2026. Community participation is key to shaping future investments and addressing inequities in our parks and recreation system.
|
👍❤️ Mayor’s Mix: From Flight to Fashion ❤️👍
|
Last week, we asked: Which famous aviator once lived in San Diego while training Navy pilots during World War I?
The correct answer is Glenn Curtiss, a pioneer in aviation who established the first military flying school in North Island.
Charles Lindbergh — 60%
Glenn Curtiss — 24% ✅
Eddie Rickenbacker — 16%
Lindbergh is strongly associated with San Diego because the Spirit of St. Louis was built here, and he took off from what is now San Diego International Airport. However, his famous flight was in 1927, well after WWI. Glenn Curtiss's connection to San Diego and his role in naval aviation is a lesser known but historically significant fact.
This week’s question: What was the original name of Mission Valley’s first regional shopping mall when it opened in 1961?
|
GETTING IT DONE - FIXING OUR STREETS
|
Road Work Complete on Barnard Street in Point Loma
|
We’re happy to report another completed street segment by one of the City’s in-house Mill and Pave teams. Barnard Street between Bob Street and Chapman Street — covering about 10 blocks — was repaved after pavement condition index (PCI) scores as low as 8.1. Following the work, the street is now restored to a PCI score of 100. Guided by the Citywide Street Condition Assessment, Pavement Management Plan, and historical pothole repair data, these permanent repairs improve pavement condition and reduce the likelihood of potholes forming for years to come.
|
Barnard Street in Point Loma
|
Jazz at the Creek Bids Farewell in Ocean View
|
The final Jazz at the Creek brought world-class music and community spirit to Ocean View. For 14 years, Mandate Project Impact has celebrated jazz while mentoring youth and creating opportunities for local talent. This event leaves behind a legacy of culture, mentorship, and community connection.
|
Faith and Labor Leaders Gather in El Cerrito
|
Faith and labor leaders came together in El Cerrito for San Diego Unions Mass, honoring workers and uplifting the right to fair wages, healthcare, and collective bargaining. The event highlighted the shared commitment to building a city where hard work is respected and rewarded.
|
Regional Collaboration on Display at South County Lighthouse
|
At the San Diego Rescue Mission’s South County Lighthouse in National City, leaders came together to highlight the power of collaboration in addressing homelessness. Recently celebrating its one-year anniversary, this 162-bed shelter for men, women, and families demonstrates that housing with services ends homelessness and shows the progress we can achieve when governments at every level work together with urgency and compassion.
|
Celebrating Clean Energy Innovation at General Atomics
|
In a milestone for global clean energy, San Diego’s General Atomics built the powerful magnet that will serve as the “heartbeat” of the world’s largest fusion project in France. This achievement advances the future of limitless clean power and showcases the strength of our region’s innovation economy.
|
SAN DIEGO ON THE GLOBAL STAGE
|
Building the Case for a Direct San Diego–Paris Flight
|
My team joined partners from San Diego International Airport, the French-American Chamber of Commerce, the San Diego Tourism Authority and World Trade Center San Diego for a roundtable discussion with French Senator Olivier Cadic, to advance the case for a direct flight to Paris. Today, the route operates selectively throughout the year to serve specific conventions, but a regular connection would deliver major economic benefits—especially given France’s role as a top source of foreign investment. There’s more to come, but this effort will create opportunities for all San Diegans while celebrating the vital contributions of our French-American community.
|
What Goes in Your Green Bin?
|
San Diegans have embraced organic waste recycling, helping divert more than 194,000 tons from landfills last year. Still, some items are causing problems in the composting process — especially plastic bags. Even those labeled compostable are not allowed in green bins, since they break down into thousands of tiny pieces of plastic.
Your green bin is for food scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, eggshells, coffee grounds, and meat or bones, as well as yard waste like grass clippings and branches.
For a full list of what can and can’t go in your green bin, visit the Curbside Organic Waste Recycling Guide.
|
Volunteers Needed for San Diego Police Department Crisis Intervention Program
|
The San Diego Police Department is seeking volunteers to join its Crisis Intervention program, which provides short-term emotional and logistical support to residents experiencing traumatic events such as suicide, homicide, or overdose death. No experience is necessary; training is provided, and bilingual volunteers are encouraged to apply. To learn more, including upcoming information sessions, visit sandiego.gov/police/recruiting/volunteer.
|
Deadlines Approaching for Trash Service
|
With the implementation of voter-approved Measure B, our Environmental Services Department is updating how the City provides trash collection. Property owners need to take action before upcoming deadlines.
▪️ Eligible single-family homes: If you receive City-provided trash service, you have already, or you will be receiving a mailer with a unique code and instructions to create an account at wasteportal.sandiego.gov. This is where you select the size of your trash container and enroll in service. If you cannot locate your mailer or the login information inside, please contact us at 858-694-7000 or trash@sandiego.gov. The deadline to make your selections is September 30, 2025.
▪️ Ineligible properties: Homes that no longer qualify for City service must contract with a private hauler. Mailers sent to these property owners include instructions and a list of approved providers. For additional information on transitioning, please see sandiego.gov/trash-service-updates or contact 619-533-4440 or wasteservice@sandiego.gov.
For more information, including eligibility details, timelines, and resources, visit: sandiego.gov/trash-service-updates.
|
Stay Informed with Inside San Diego
|
Stay up-to-date with the latest news and information about our city through Inside San Diego, our new hub for all things San Diego.
From community updates to important City announcements, Inside San Diego is your go-to source for staying engaged and informed as a resident.
Don’t miss out on critical alerts and updates—sign up today to receive notifications via email or text message.
It’s a simple way to stay connected with everything happening in our great city. Subscribe now!
|
Get the latest news from the City on Inside San Diego
|
Sign up for the “From the Mayor’s Desk” newsletter
|
|
.jpg)
.png)
