2025 flew by and has officially come to a close. I hope everyone had a safe, fun and joyful New Year. I also extend my wishes that you and your loved ones enjoy a prosperous 2026. I know my family and I have a lot to look forward to this year. We are excited to share it with all of you.

A Year in Review

Next Tuesday, I’ll be sharing my annual District 7 Dispatch—Year in Review with all of you. This nearly 30-page document highlights critical policy decisions, like my “NO” vote on the trash fee, and ordinances I brought to City Council, such as my Live Event Worker Safety Ordinance, in 2025. The Year in Review also highlights community events I had the privilege to attend or host in 2025, many of which afforded me the opportunity to meet you and learn directly from you what you want the City of San Diego to look like.

The first page of the District 7 Dispatch—Year in Review is a hand-written letter from me. There is no way to properly thank you for your support and trust, but I hope that my words show just how appreciative I am to lead this life of service.

Do Not Drive Under the Influence in 2026

This week, I did an interview with ABC 10 on New Year’s Safety. We spoke at the Grantville Trolley, which transported folks for free from 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM thanks to free rides for all MTS bus and trolley passengers on the holiday. I'm incredibly thankful for this proactive safety measure, which undoubtedly saved lives.

While the New Year has come and gone, this is yet another good reminder to prioritize your safety and the safety of others by having a plan and making good decisions. Community safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Unwanted Christmas Tree? We’ve Got You Covered

The City of San Diego has begun its Christmas tree collection program. If you have a flocked or natural Christmas tree free of all decorations, you may bring it to one of many drop-off points for free recycling by the City of San Diego. This opportunity will only be available through January 16, so be sure not to wait too long.

If you miss the free drop-off, you may also break down your Christmas tree and place the pieces into your green bin. All Christmas trees placed into your green bins must be flocked or natural and must be broken down to fit with the lid closed.

See the full list of drop-off locations below. Feel free to share with your neighbor!

Carmel Valley - Carmel Valley Recreation Center, 3777 Townsgate Drive (lower parking lot)

Colina Del Sol - Colina Del Sol Park, 52nd Street and 52nd Place (south parking lot)

Encanto - Cielo Drive at Woodman Street

Golden Hill - Golden Hill Recreation Center, 2600 Golf Course Drive

Logan Heights - Memorial Recreation Center, 2902 Marcy Ave.

Mission Bay - SeaWorld Drive at Pacific Highway

Mountain View - Ocean View Boulevard at 40th Street (north side)

Ocean Beach - Robb Field Recreation Center, 2525 Bacon St.

Otay Mesa/Nestor - Montgomery Waller Community Park (lower parking lot, southeast corner of Palm Avenue and Beyer Boulevard)

Pacific Beach - Kate Sessions Memorial Park, corner of Mount Soledad Road and Loring Street

Rancho Bernardo - Rancho Bernardo Recreation Center, 18448 West Bernardo Drive

Rancho Peñasquitos - Canyonside Recreation Center, 12350 Black Mountain Road

San Diego State University - Parking lot 17 off Alvarado Road

Scripps Ranch - Scripps Ranch Recreation Center, 11454 Blue Cypress Drive

Tierrasanta - Tierrasanta Community Park, 11220 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. (pool parking lot)

University City - Standley Community Park (parking lot), 3585 Governor Drive

City of San Diego Library Winter Reading Challenge

The San Diego Public Library is once again hosting its Winter Reading Challenge, which invites folks of all ages to “explore the hidden worlds that live within art by bringing creative ideas to life” through this year’s theme, “Every Picture Tells a Story.”

It will run during the month of January and offers prizes like admission to one of my favorite Balboa Park museums, The Mingei International Museum. Information on how to sign up and participate can be found here. Happy reading!

Sincerely,

Happy New Year!

A Year in Review

Do Not Drive Under the Influence in 2026

Unwanted Christmas Tree? We’ve Got You Covered

City of San Diego Library Winter Reading Challenge