Dear Neighbor,  

A former extended-stay hotel in Mission Valley has been transformed into 161 affordable rental homes for people previously experiencing homelessness. 

 

The newly opened Presidio Palms was made possible through a powerful collaboration between the City of San Diego, San Diego Housing Commission, County of San Diego, Regional Task Force on Homelessness, and the State of California through its Homekey program. 

This is a clear example of what we can achieve when all levels of government work together. With $35 million in state funding and significant investments from the City and County, we’ve added urgently needed housing that includes wraparound services to support residents in maintaining long-term stability. 

Most of the residents moving into Presidio Palms were connected through our City-funded homelessness response system. This project builds on the momentum we’re seeing—like the nearly 14% reduction in homelessness in the city of San Diego—and underscores our continued commitment to putting a roof over the head of every San Diegan at a price they can afford. 

As always, it’s an honor to serve as your Mayor. 

 

City Council Approves New Trash Fee to Improve Trash Collection Services

The City Council has approved a new trash fee that will modernize and sustain San Diego’s waste-collection system. 

 

This decision follows voter approval of Measure B in 2022, which authorized the City to charge for solid-waste services provided to eligible properties—primarily single-family homes and small multi-unit residences. 

 

Starting July 1, 2025, about 226,500 households will begin contributing to the new Solid Waste Management Fund, which can only be used to support waste collection. In return, residents will see improved services, including weekly recycling pickup, free bin replacements, and a new bulky-item curbside collection program. 

 

The fee structure is tiered based on the size of a resident’s trash bin, offering cost-saving options for those who generate less waste. 

 

For full details, including the fee schedule and transition timeline, visit sandiego.gov/environmental-services. 

 

HHAP Funding Powers Progress on Homelessness—Now It’s at Risk

Thanks to California’s Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program, San Diego has made real progress in reducing homelessness 

 

We’ve doubled our shelter capacity, expanded outreach, and grew programs like Safe Parking and Family Reunification. HHAP funding has helped us serve more than 32,000 people and support nearly 8,000 successful exits from homelessness. 

 

This funding works—and it’s changing lives. People like Gil, Cheryl, and Keaton have found safety, stability, and permanent homes through HHAP-funded programs. These are real people, not statistics. And their success is proof that state investment drives results. 

 

But the current state budget proposal includes no new HHAP funding. 

 

Without action from the Governor and the Legislature, the City could be forced to eliminate 426 shelter beds and 30% of our outreach teams. That means fewer people getting the help they need—and more people back on the streets. 

 

I recently joined Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty in writing an op-ed for the Los Angeles Times urging the State to reverse course and invest in HHAP Round 7. You can read it here: 


👉 If state funding vanishes, California’s homelessness crisis will explode 

 

GETTING IT DONE - FIXING OUR STREETS

 

Smoother Streets Coming to Loma Portal 

Crews are applying slurry seal to key streets in Loma Portal—including segments of Rosecrans Street and Cañon Street—to extend pavement life and create a smoother, safer ride. This preventative maintenance is part of our ongoing effort to fix the damn roads and improve street conditions across San Diego. 

Rosecrans Street in Loma Portal

 

MAYOR GLORIA AROUND TOWN

 

Backing First Responders and Youth at Battle of the Badges

The USS Midway set the stage for this year’s Battle of the Badges, where local police and firefighters stepped into the boxing ring to raise funds for youth programs at the Community Youth Athletic Center. Events like these show the power of public service, mentorship, and community coming together for a good cause. 

 

Supporting the Next Generation of Latino Leaders

At the Chicano Federation’s Leadership Training Institute Graduation at UC San Diego Park and Market, I joined community members in celebrating a powerful cohort of emerging leaders. This 10-month program prepares Latine professionals to lead with purpose and advocate for equity in their communities. Congratulations to the graduates—and thank you for stepping up to serve. 

 

Advancing Mobility and Affordability Together

San Diego is moving forward with bold action to make it easier to get around and #BuildMoreHousing. At Circulate San Diego’s Summer Membership Mixer, I highlighted how we’re making progress—from safer streets to more homeownership opportunities—and thanked our community partners for helping us deliver on these shared goals.

 

Recognizing City Leaders of the Future

I had the pleasure of congratulating 64 City employees from 20 departments who completed our Public Service Management leadership program. These dedicated public servants completed a rigorous series of courses and a Civic Leadership Summit to sharpen their skills and strengthen their teams. Their commitment to excellence helps us deliver better services to every San Diegan. 

 

San Diego on the Global Stage 

San Diego’s Foreign-Trade Zone: A Tool for Economic Resilience 

Amid global economic uncertainty, San Diego is committed to supporting our local businesses. My team joined regional business and trade leaders at the Port of San Diego for a City-facilitated workshop on our Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) program—an important tool that helps lower costs for companies that import and export goods. Established in 1988, our FTZ has been instrumental in bolstering our region’s role in international commerce. By streamlining trade and encouraging investment, the FTZ supports job creation and strengthens our city’s position in the global economy. I'm committed to making sure San Diego businesses have every opportunity to thrive, even in challenging times. Learn more about how the FTZ can benefit your business here. 

 

COMMUNITY UPDATES

 

State Launches CalAssist Mortgage Fund for Disaster-Affected Homeowners 

Starting June 12, California homeowners whose homes were destroyed or left uninhabitable by recent disasters—including the San Diego floods—can apply for up to $20,000 in mortgage relief through the new CalAssist Mortgage Fund. 

 

The $105 million program, managed by the California Housing Finance Agency, offers grants covering up to three months of mortgage payments for homeowners affected by disasters that were declared a state or federal emergency between January 2023 and January 2025. These funds do not need to be repaid and will go directly to mortgage servicers on behalf of approved applicants. 

 

Applications will be reviewed on first-come, first-served basis. Given the finite level of resources, households are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible to be considered for the program.  

 

More information and application materials are available at CalAssistMortgageFund.org. 

 

SDPD Offers Gift Cards or Skateboards for Guns at Community Exchange Event

The San Diego Police Department, in partnership with New Vision Church and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, is offering community members a safe way to turn in unwanted firearms—no questions asked.

 

The Drive-Thru Gun Exchange at the Joe and Vi Jacobs Center in Encanto will offer a Target gift card or a skateboard in exchange for each working firearm. All collected guns will be safely destroyed.

 

Location: 404 Euclid Ave.
Date: Saturday, June 21
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

Level Up Your Summer at the Library 

The San Diego Public Library’s Summer Reading Program is back—with games, prizes, and fun for all ages. Join in from June through August by reading, playing, and earning rewards. 

 

Learn more about our City library Summer Reading Program here. Get more info about the Summer Reading Program here. 

 

EV Charger Installations Underway Across the City 

The City has completed the first round of electric vehicle charger installations, expanding access at recreation centers, libraries, and other public locations. These new chargers support San Diego’s climate goals and make it easier for residents to choose cleaner transportation options. 

 

Parks After Dark Brings Free Family Fun to Neighborhood Parks 

The City is partnering with the San Diego Parks Foundation to host Parks After Dark, a free summer program that transforms neighborhood parks into vibrant hubs of evening activity. Families can enjoy outdoor movies, music, games, and community resources from June 14 through August 9, from 5 to 8 p.m. (no events June 19, July 3, 4 and 5) at the City Heights Rec Center, Linda Vista Rec Center, Memorial Rec Center, Skyline Hills Rec Center and Silver Wing (June 14 – July 26 only). These events support safer, more connected communities by activating public spaces after hours and making recreation accessible for all. Learn more here.  

 

Extend the Life of Your Belongings at a Fixit Clinic 

Don’t toss your broken items—repair them instead! Fixit Clinics, hosted by the City’s Environmental Services Department and Zero Waste San Diego, offer free workshops where skilled volunteers help fix household items like lamps, bikes, and clothing. 

Upcoming dates include:


• June 21: Golden Hill Recreation Center
 


Learn more on
Inside San Diego 

 

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