Cities like San Diego are making progress in clearing unsafe homeless encampment, but a growing challenge is emerging on state property along our freeways, where cities are not authorized – or funded – to take action. That’s why I’m sponsoring a bill authored by state Sen. Catherine Blakespear that will help Caltrans and local governments work together more effectively to reduce encampments on state property.
This legislation aims to streamline the process to clear these encampments, formalize agency coordination, and develop ways to fund these efforts solutions.
It is imperative that we address the growing dangers from encampments, including encampment fires that not only endanger people experiencing homelessness but also put surrounding communities and first responders at risk. In recent years, California has seen a rise in fires caused by people camping on state land—threatening homes, businesses and lives.
In San Diego, from Jan. 1, 2024, to Jan. 26, 2025, there were more than 60 fires near freeway encampments on state property. The City receives approximately 300 complaints a month about these encampments on state land—complaints we legally cannot act on and must refer to Caltrans.
With this bill, we intend to create clear pathways for local governments and Caltrans to coordinate efforts to clear encampments on state property quickly and effectively. Our goal is to ensure public safety, reduce fire hazards, and connect people to the services they need to exit homelessness.
I want to thank Sen. Blakespear for her leadership in authoring this legislation and for her commitment to partnering with cities like San Diego to tackle this statewide issue.
As always, it’s an honor to serve as your Mayor.
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Building More Affordable Housing for Californians
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We all know it — the cost of housing in San Diego and across California is way too high. It’s forcing so many — from seniors to students — to question whether they will be able to afford to stay here. To solve this monumental problem, we need efforts from all levels of government.
That’s why I’m supporting Assemblymember Buffy Wicks and Sen. Christopher Cabaldon’s $10 billion Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026, which will fund the construction of new homes, preserve existing affordable housing, and expand opportunities for homeownership.
State investment like this is essential to the work we’re doing in San Diego to create, retain, and restore housing opportunities. With these resources, we can continue to build more housing and keep (and even create more) jobs in our communities.
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Investing in Kids and Community: A New Joint-Use Park for Paradise Hills
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Construction has started on the transformation of Paradise Hills Elementary!
Part of the “Play All Day” initiative to create public recreation opportunities in San Diego neighborhoods through a joint-use partnership between the San Diego Unified School District and the City of San Diego, the project will bring a new two-story classroom building, a joint-use playfield, and major campus upgrades, including a walking track, shade structures, solar panels, and enhanced security.
Collaboration like this helps expand access to both quality learning environments and parks. During school hours, the space will be for students, After school, it will be open to the community, increasing access to much-needed recreational opportunities in Paradise Hills.
Growing up, parks played a huge role in my life. They were where I made friends, learned teamwork, and found a sense of community. Every child in San Diego deserves the same opportunity, which is why I’m expanding quality outdoor spaces across our city through this effort and my Parks for All of Us plan, which provides for a more equitable funding process to create safe, clean and thriving park spaces.
I look forward to cutting the ribbon on this new recreational space and seeing Paradise Hills families enjoying this space for years to come!
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State Funding Will Keep San Diego’s Homelessness Programs Running Strong
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San Diego is set to receive more than $25 million in state funding through the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program (HHAP). This helps pay for existing programs serving thousands of people experiencing homelessness. This state funding, secured for the sixth consecutive year, goes toward shelter and moving people off the streets and into care.
In 2024, previous HHAP awards, along with other funding sources, helped City-funded programs to:
As former chair of the California Big City Mayors coalition, I fought hard for continued HHAP funding from the state to ensure cities can maintain the progress we’ve made in reducing homelessness.
In order to officially accept these funds, the City Council must approve the City’s application to the state. This will be presented soon to the City Council in an upcoming public meeting.
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GETTING IT DONE - FIXING OUR STREETS
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Fresh Asphalt for a Smoother Ride in Rancho Bernardo
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Construction crews have been hard at work repaving roads across the city, including a fresh asphalt overlay on Escala Drive in Rancho Bernardo! These improvements help extend the life of our streets and ensure a smoother, safer drive for all of us.
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Kicking Off the United States Police & Fire Championships
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I joined City Councilmembers, San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl and Fire-Rescue Chief Robert Logan, plus first responders and organizers to kick off the 100-day countdown to the United States Police & Fire Championships, a proud San Diego tradition that brings together thousands of competitors from across the country. These games celebrate the strength, skill, and camaraderie of our police officers and firefighters while generating significant economic benefits for our region. Looking forward to seeing these dedicated athletes in action this summer!
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Meeting Future Leaders at Bell Middle School
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I had the privilege of speaking with students at Bell Middle School in Paradise Hills, where I encouraged them to dream big and consider careers in public service. This school is not only committed to academic excellence but also provides critical support for students and families facing challenges like housing instability. It was inspiring to see their curiosity and determination firsthand—San Diego’s future is bright with these young leaders!
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Easier Passport Access for San Diegans
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The City of San Diego is making it easier for residents to apply for or renew their passports with a series of pop-up events hosted by the Office of the City Clerk. Held at local libraries , these events offer in-person passport services, including application submissions and photo services.
Upcoming Events:
March 7 – Linda Vista Library (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.) – 2160 Ulric St.
March 14 – San Ysidro Library (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.) – 4235 Beyer Blvd.
April 4 – Mission Hills-Hillcrest/Knox Library (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.) – 215 W. Washington St.
Appointments are available online, with limited walk-in slots. Learn more about required documents here.
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Helping Building Owners Meet Energy Benchmarking Requirements
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The City of San Diego is offering a series of free webinars through April 23, plus in-person office hours to help building owners and facility managers comply with the City’s Building Energy Benchmarking Ordinance. The webinars will cover the basics of energy benchmarking, compliance steps, and reporting systems like ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and BEAM. In-person office hours at the San Diego Central Library will provide hands-on support. Register here.
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Know Your Flood Risk and Stay Prepared
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Thousands of homes in San Diego are built in floodplains, making it essential to understand your risk. Flooding can happen year-round, so take steps to stay informed and prepared. Check if your home is in a floodplain by visiting FEMA’s map service and view local flood-prone areas on the City’s stormwater maps.
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Help Shape San Diego’s Parks, Libraries, and Beaches
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The City is launching Child and Teen-Friendly City, a new initiative to improve public spaces to better serve kids, teens, and caregivers. As part of this effort, we’re creating the City’s first-ever Child and Teen-Friendly Public Spaces Design Manual to make parks, libraries, and beaches more engaging and accessible.
We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts on what works, what doesn’t, and how we can improve. Take the quick survey before March 7: Submit Your Input.
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Free Compost Giveaway Events Support Sustainable Gardening
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San Diegans can pick up free, nutrient-rich compost for their gardens, thanks to the City’s partnership with I Love A Clean San Diego. Compost is available year-round at Miramar Greenery, and special giveaway events make it even easier to access. The next event is on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at Mt. Hope Community Garden. Register here. Help your garden thrive while keeping organic waste out of landfills!
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Extend the Life of Your Belongings at a Fixit Clinic
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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.
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Stay Informed with Inside San Diego
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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!
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