Joey Safchik of NBC 7 invited me on Politically Speaking this week for an engaging conversation about the budget (and how we kept Lake Murray and all our parks open), the trash fee (and why I voted no), charging to park around Balboa Park (and why I voted no on that, too!), and much more. Watch the full 20 minute interview here!

This week, new speed limit signs are going up in 11 high-crash corridors across San Diego — including parts of North Park, Hillcrest, and Ocean Beach — thanks to a partnership between Councilmember Stephen Whitburn and me.

These changes were made possible by a 2022 state law that gives cities more flexibility to reduce speeds where pedestrian safety is at risk. The goal is simple: save lives and prevent serious injuries.

Studies show that slower speeds lead to fewer deadly crashes. This is a major step toward our Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic fatalities — and I’m proud to help lead the charge for safer streets in every neighborhood.

In public service, kindness isn’t just a virtue — it’s a tool for better outcomes. A new Harvard Business Review article breaks down the real truth: organizations that prioritize kindness see stronger teams, better communication, and more trust from the public. Those that don’t? They face burnout, turnover, and broken systems.

I’ve seen this firsthand in our city government. When we treat staff and residents with dignity, we build lasting trust. When we lead with empathy, we make space for honest feedback and real solutions. That’s why I work every day to build a culture rooted in respect, humility, and care — not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it delivers results.

The authors of the Harvard Business Review Article give three main prescriptions to make kindness an organization-wide norm:

1. Treat kindness as a hard skill. That means teaching people how to listen without defensiveness, give and receive feedback with care, and manage conflict with respect.
2. Establish clear expectations. Just like safety or professionalism, kindness should be built into onboarding, performance reviews, and everyday culture.
3. Measure kindness. Use surveys and feedback systems to track whether employees feel respected, included, and supported — and hold managers accountable.

Kindness is a leadership discipline. Let’s treat it that way.

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a huge Rubio’s fan — I’ve probably had more fish tacos than I can count. So when I saw this SDSU NewsCenter story about Justin Mosel, the Aztec alum who now leads menu development as Executive Culinary Director for Rubio’s, I was excited.

Loved the interview, which for me underscores the way that investing in education has numerous benefits for our region. Sure, economic activity is one, but so are delicious seafood tacos.

Cheryl, thank you for 35 years of dedicated public service — from the IRS to the City Attorney’s Office, and finally to our District 7 team for the past four years, where you served as Director of Office Administration.

For those who don’t know Cheryl Willis, she will be remembered for her incredible sense of humor, always-full bowl of candy (which was greatly appreciated by all on the City Council floor), and warmth with which she treated constituents and all those she interacted with each and every day.

Though we will all miss you a great deal here at City Hall, we wish you a happy retirement and lovely time spent with your grandchildren. All the best to you and your family, Cheryl -- and happy Cheryl Willis Day, today, August 1st, 2025, otherwise known as your very final day, which we proclaimed at the City Council this week.

We love you, Cheryl! ❤️