Dear Neighbor, 

‘Tis the season—December Nights is back! This Friday and Saturday (Dec. 6 and 7), join us for two magical evenings filled with lights, festive music, cultural attractions, and an array of delicious food from around the world. 

We have an extra special reason to celebrate this year. After its extensive renovation, the historic Botanical Building—one of Balboa Park’s most iconic landmarks—will reopen to the public for the first time during December Nights. This beautifully restored space is ready to welcome visitors and will add even more holiday magic to the festivities. 

Special thanks to Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins for her unwavering leadership and advocacy, including securing a critical $8 million state grant that was pivotal in bringing this project to life. I’d also like to recognize our outstanding City staff, the team at Forever Balboa Park, and the many community members who have supported this effort every step of the way. 

With large crowds expected, we encourage everyone to consider alternative transportation options, such as biking, taking public transit, or using our free shuttles to make your visit as seamless as possible.  

Let’s come together to celebrate the holiday season and enjoy all that Balboa Park has to offer. 

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

On World AIDS Day, we celebrated the grand opening of Olive Street Park in Bankers Hill, which includes San Diego’s first-ever AIDS Memorial. This milestone represents the culmination of nearly 30 years of advocacy, vision, and dedication from our LGBTQ+ community and allies. 

This $2.3 million project transforms a vacant lot into a community park featuring a children’s playground, fitness equipment, ADA-accessible pathways and a viewing deck overlooking Maple Canyon. Central to the park is the first phase of the AIDS Memorial—a ribbon-shaped walkway, memorial boulders and interpretive panels that honor those we’ve lost to AIDS and the many individuals and organizations who supported those affected by the epidemic. 

Phase two of the AIDS Memorial will include an artistic installation featuring the names of loved ones lost to AIDS, further cementing this park’s role as a space for reflection, healing and community. 

This park holds special meaning for me, both as Mayor and as someone who lost friends to this devastating disease. I’m particularly proud to have played a role in securing funding for this project through pushing through the sale of the historic Truax House, a site with its own legacy in San Diego’s fight against AIDS.Olive Street Park is more than a park—it’s a testament to love, resilience, and hope. I hope it brings joy and comfort to the families and individuals impacted by AIDS. 

I want to thank everyone who made this project possible, including the AIDS Memorial Task Force, our LGBTQ community and our dedicated City staff.  

This year, the City’s Development Services Department (DSD) has been hitting the road with its “DSD in the Community” events, making it easier than ever for San Diegans to access permitting, planning, inspection, and code enforcement services. 

From March through September, DSD partnered with City Council offices and local organizations to host events in neighborhoods across Council Districts 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9, including Encanto, Allied Gardens, Barrio Logan, and Clairemont. 

These events are designed to bring resources and guidance directly to residents and businesses, cutting red tape and making City services more accessible. Whether it’s assistance with permits, updates on stormwater requirements, or navigating construction projects, DSD is meeting San Diegans where they are and helping them get the information they need. 

Additionally, DSD is expanding its outreach through online webinars, podcasts, and instructional videos to ensure residents have access to resources no matter where they are. The “City in Motion” podcast was also launched this year, alongside webinars on stormwater requirements, permit guides and innovative tools that make permitting easier. 

These efforts are just one way we’re working to make government more responsive and accessible to our residents. Stay tuned for more events in 2025, and check out the City’s website for a wealth of resources to support your next project! 

Vacant properties can pose significant challenges for neighborhoods, attracting crime, blight and other concerns.The City of San Diego is working to address these issues through enforcement and community action. If a vacant property in your neighborhood is causing problems, there are steps you can take: 

• Reach Out to Responsible Parties: Many issues can be resolved by contacting the property owner or manager directly. If needed, the National Conflict Resolution Center (619-238-2400) can assist in opening a dialogue.  

• Report Issues to Code Enforcement: The City’s Building and Land Use Enforcement Division handles complaints about substandard housing and nuisance properties. Submit a request for investigation online or by calling 619-236-5500. 

• Apply for a Letter of Agency: Property owners can file a Letter of Agency with the San Diego Police Department to authorize officers to address trespassing or nuisance activity on vacant lots and buildings. 

• Stay Informed: You can track the status of investigations or learn more about the City’s abatement processes through the Building & Land Use Enforcement Division. 

If a vacant property continues to be a problem despite initial efforts, the City has the authority to take stronger action. Under the municipal code, the City can issue abatement notices requiring the property to be cleaned, secured, or fenced. If the owner fails to comply, the City can perform the work itself and recover costs from the owner. 

For properties deemed a persistent nuisance, additional penalties -- and even demolition may be pursued. These measures ensure that problematic properties do not continue to harm the surrounding community. 

These resources and actions ensure San Diegans have the tools and support needed to address vacant property concerns and maintain safe, clean neighborhoods.  

The City of San Diego recently released the draft Coastal Resilience Master Plan for public review and is asking community members for their input. 

Climate change is accelerating sea level rise, which increases the risk of coastal flooding and erosion, particularly during storm events. The draft Coastal Resilience Master Plan addresses sea level rise-driven challenges by prioritizing nature-based solutions. Examples of nature-based solutions can include habitat restoration, engineered and passive dunes, and waterfront parks, among other options. 

The draft plan considers six locations for nature-based solutions projects: La Jolla Shores, Tourmaline Surf Park, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach – Dog Beach, Ocean Beach – Beachfront (Pier) and Sunset Cliffs. For each project site, a high-level concept design is proposed. 

As the City considers different approaches for each of the project sites, it is asking for the public’s continued feedback. San Diegans can provide their input through an online survey or by emailing ClimateResilientSD@sandiego.gov. 

A draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) is also available for review. Input can be emailed to PlanningCEQA@sandiego.gov. Both the draft Coastal Resilience Master Plan and PEIR are available for public feedback until Jan. 5, 2025. Feedback received through the public review period will then be incorporated into the plan and PEIR. 

As the City of San Diego enters the second phase of community listening sessions for enhanced trash collection services and potential new fees, San Diegans are once again invited to participate in the process. During Phase 2 of the Trash Study outreach for residential customers serviced by the City’s Environmental Services Department (ESD), the City will host meetings in each Council District, starting Nov. 12, to share what has been learned so far and to gather additional feedback.   

Phase 2 meetings will consist of a brief overview to include priorities expressed by residents and a comparison of trash and recycling services and charges in nearby cities. An open house will follow, during which participants can review the data, ask questions and provide feedback. Spanish speakers will be on site to provide translation at each meeting. Requests for other language translation services can be made in advance.   

A virtual meeting, in English and Spanish, will be offered on Dec. 6. In addition, community members are invited to take a second questionnaire that builds on an earlier version to help the City better understand their views about trash, recycling and organic waste collection services. Residents who prefer more formal presentations of study information can attend meetings of Community Planning Groups and Town Councils where the Trash Study is on the agenda. The City also continues to host tables at farmers markets and other community events. A complete schedule is available at cleangreensd.org.   

Phase 2 Open House Meeting Schedule:  

· Council District 9: Dec. 2, 5:30 to 7 p.m., College-Rolando Library, 660 Montezuma Road, San Diego, CA 92113  

· Council District 4: Dec. 3, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Educational Cultural Complex Upstairs Lobby, 4343 Ocean View Blvd., San Diego, CA 92113  

· Citywide: Dec. 6, 10 to 11 a.m., online via zoom. Visit cleangreensd.org to register.  

· Council District 1: Dec. 10, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Pacific Beach/Taylor Library, 4275 Cass St., San Diego, CA 92109 

The Midway Rising team is working to transform the iconic San Diego Sports Arena into a vibrant hub for our community. 

You’re invited to join an informational workshop to learn about the team’s vision, recent milestones, and the path forward. 

Workshop Details: 

Date: Tuesday, December 10, 2024 
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. 
Location: Pacific Highlands Ranch Library 
12911 Pacific Pl, San Diego, CA 92130 

Complimentary parking available on site. 

Please RSVP in advance here.  

The Midway Rising project will bring 2,000 new affordable homes and a mixed-use entertainment center to benefit San Diegans and the broader region. 

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department is gearing up for the summer of 2025 by recruiting seasonal lifeguards. Swim tryouts are scheduled for Jan. 16, 17, 18, 2025, at 8 a.m. at Ventura Cove. 

To qualify for an interview, candidates must swim 500 meters in under 10 minutes. 

With over 40 miles of shoreline to patrol, SDFD lifeguards are essential to ensuring the safety of millions of visitors. Interested candidates should apply online two weeks before their tryout date.