The federal government shutdown is creating deep uncertainty for thousands of San Diegans — especially military families, veterans, and civilian federal employees who help keep our nation running every day.
Service members received pay on October 15, yet it remains unclear whether checks will arrive on November 1. Meanwhile, civilian federal workers are already missing paychecks. These public servants did nothing to cause this shutdown, and they should not bear the financial burden of political gridlock.
San Diego is a proud military town, and our community is stepping up to help. The San Diego Military Advisory Council has compiled a list of local and national resources for those impacted by the shutdown. In addition, organizations across our region are ready to offer financial assistance, food support, and counseling services to anyone in need.
For households affected by the shutdown and upcoming disruptions to CalFresh benefits, my office is partnering with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank to provide food assistance. We are launching weekly distribution events at City facilities starting in November. Stay tuned for more details.
To every service member, veteran, and federal employee feeling the strain right now — San Diego stands with you.
As always, it’s an honor to serve as your Mayor.
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State Awards $32.4 Million for New Homes for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness
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San Diego is continuing to expand housing opportunities for people experiencing homelessness thanks to a new $32.4 million grant from the State of California. In partnership with the San Diego Housing Commission and the County of San Diego, this investment will transform an existing property in Birdland into 80 new affordable homes — 40 reserved for veterans and 40 for San Diegans living with mental health or substance use challenges.
The new community, called Starling Place, will include onsite supportive services to help residents maintain stable housing and build a foundation for recovery and independence. The City is contributing $11.5 million in federal Community Development Block Grant funds, and the County is providing $12.5 million toward the project.
This collaboration builds on San Diego’s success with the state’s Homekey program, which has already created more than 600 affordable homes citywide.
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City Council Confirms Charvel as Chief Financial Officer
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The San Diego City Council has unanimously approved my appointment of Rolando Charvel as the City’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Rolando is the City’s current Director of the Department of Finance, and he brings more than 26 years of experience in public finance and a deep commitment to fiscal responsibility that will serve our city well.
As CFO, Rolando will oversee the City’s $6 billion budget and lead our financial strategy, including budgeting, accounting, treasury, risk management, and debt financing. He will also serve as my principal advisor on financial policy and long-term planning to ensure San Diego remains on strong financial footing.
Rolando has spent his career strengthening the City’s financial operations and accountability, helping to build the trust and stability that allow us to invest in what matters most to San Diegans—safe neighborhoods, reliable infrastructure, and quality city services. His leadership will keep San Diego’s finances in capable, trusted hands as we continue moving our city forward.
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City to Challenge Midway District Ruling, Honor the Will of San Diego Voters
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The recent State Court of Appeals decision on the Midway District height-limit increase is a setback — and one I strongly disagree with. San Diegans voted not once, but twice, to lift the height limit in this area, making clear they want to see the neighborhood revitalized. My administration will honor that vote.
This project is too important to the future of our city to let it stall. The redevelopment of the Sports Arena property promises thousands of new homes — including thousands of new, affordable homes for working families — along with good-paying jobs, a modern entertainment venue, and billions in economic activity.
My team and I have identified multiple alternative paths to keep the project on track. To allow for additional City Council review, I’ve extended the exclusive negotiating agreement with Midway Rising — the development group chosen to redevelop the site — through December 2026.
We remain committed to delivering a vibrant, connected Midway District that reflects the will of the voters and benefits all San Diegans.
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🌉🛥️ Mayor’s Mix: Bridge Facts! 🌉🛥️
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Last week, we asked: San Diego’s iconic Old Point Loma Lighthouse first shone its beacon in 1855. How long did it remain in operation before being replaced by a new lighthouse closer to the water?
Here’s how you voted:
▪️ “25 years” — 16.33%
▪️ “36 years” — 38.78%
▪️ “52 years” — 44.90% ✅
The correct answer is 52 years! The Old Point Loma Lighthouse guided ships safely into San Diego Bay until 1891, when fog and low visibility led to the construction of a new lighthouse closer to the water’s edge.
This week’s question: The San Diego–Coronado Bridge was designed to let Navy aircraft carriers pass beneath it. What is its vertical clearance at high tide?
▪️ 150 feet
▪️ 200 feet
▪️ 250 feet
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GETTING IT DONE - FIXING OUR STREETS
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Fresh Pavement on Folsom Drive in La Jolla
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Another week, another repaved road. Construction crews recently completed a permit project on Folsom Drive in La Jolla — and as part of the work, they restored the street surface to ensure a smooth, durable ride for neighbors and visitors alike.
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Honoring Officer Austin Machitar in Clairemont
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North Clairemont Community Park now bears a new name: Officer Austin Machitar Memorial Park. The dedication honors the late San Diego Police Department officer’s courage, compassion, and service to our city. Thank you to the Machitar family, the San Diego Police Department, and the Clairemont community for helping preserve his legacy for generations to come.
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California’s Big City Mayors Unite for Action
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At the first-ever California Big City Mayors C13 Summit, bipartisan leaders from the state’s 13 largest cities — representing more than 11 million residents — came together to drive coordinated action on homelessness, housing, and affordability. By working together, we’re proving that progress on these challenges is possible and that strong cities are essential to California’s future.
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Cross-Border Unity at the Binational Race
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Nearly 2,000 runners from both sides of the border took part in the Binational Race — a one-of-a-kind half marathon and 10K linking San Diego and Tijuana. The event celebrated culture, fitness, and friendship, proving that when our region moves forward together, there’s no finish line we can’t cross.
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Birdstock Music Festival Brings the Community Together
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The energy at the Birdstock Music Festival was unmatched. Neighbors, local artists, and small businesses came together in Bird Rock to celebrate community spirit and coastal creativity. Proceeds from the event support the Bird Rock Foundation’s work to empower families and strengthen neighborhood schools — a true investment in the future of this vibrant community.
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SAN DIEGO ON THE GLOBAL STAGE
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Building a Shared Future for the Binational Region
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I recently sat down with Tijuana Mayor Ismael Burgueño to reaffirm the strength of our cross-border partnership and our shared vision for the future of the San Diego–Tijuana region. We discussed the importance of maintaining close cooperation even amid political and economic challenges, underscoring the deep, mutually beneficial ties that unite our communities. Together, we’re advancing plans for a renewed Memorandum of Understanding that will expand collaboration between our cities - sharing best practices, improving essential services, and driving progress that benefits our residents.
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Join the La Jolla Shores Planned District Advisory Board
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We invite you to consider joining the La Jolla Shores Planned District Advisory Board. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of our beloved community while helping to preserve its distinctive character.
Why Your Involvement Matters:
Protect Our Community: Help safeguard the public health, safety, and welfare of La Jolla Shores by maintaining property values and enhancing our residential charm.
Enhance Our Environment: Play a key role in controlling land development to protect our ocean-oriented setting and architectural identity.
Preserve Our Heritage: Ensure that La Jolla Shores remains one of the premier residential areas along the Pacific Coast.
Board Responsibilities:
Review and provide recommendations on permit applications, including Planned Residential Developments (PRDs), to the Planning Director.
Advise on necessary regulatory changes for effective execution of our community's plans.
Use established architectural criteria to assess development proposals.
This is a wonderful chance to make a meaningful impact on the future of La Jolla Shores. If you are interested in serving on the board, please reach out for more information.
To Apply Visit: https://onboard.sandiego.gov/board/3392
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Help Shape the Future of Recreation Programming in San Diego
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The City’s Parks and Recreation Department is inviting residents to help shape the future of recreation in San Diego. Community input will guide how recreation centers operate, what programs are offered, and how residents receive information about them.
Join an upcoming in-person Town Hall to share your ideas and feedback. Each event will include a presentation, Q&A session, and interactive tables for participants to provide input. Light snacks and childcare will be provided, and attendees will have a chance to win a $25 gift card.
Upcoming Town Halls:
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Oct. 27: City Heights Recreation Center (Council District 9) — 6:30–8:00 p.m., 4380 Landis St.
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Nov. 13: Montgomery-Waller Recreation Center (Council District 8) — 6:00–7:30 p.m., 3020 Coronado Ave.
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Nov. 14: Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center (Council District 4) — 6:00–7:30 p.m., 6401 Skyline Dr.
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Nov. 19: South Clairemont Recreation Center (Council District 2) — 6:00–7:30 p.m., 3605 Clairemont Dr.
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Nov. 21: [Insert location once confirmed]
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Nov. 24: [Insert location once confirmed]
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Dec. 3: Carmel Mountain Ranch/Sabre Springs Recreation Center (Council District 5) — 6:00–7:30 p.m., 10152 Rancho Carmel Dr.
The Parks and Recreation Department is also inviting community leaders and representatives to 45-minute Zoom focus groups to share ideas, flag barriers to participation, and improve how we communicate about programs. Sessions include a brief presentation, Q&A, and an interactive survey. Registration is required.
Upcoming dates (by Council Districts):
• Nov. 7 — Districts 3, 6, 7 (11:30 a.m.)
• Nov. 10 — Districts 4, 8, 9 (11:00 a.m.)
• Nov. 13 — Districts 1, 2, 5 (11:30 a.m.)
• Nov. 20 — Districts 4, 8, 9 (4:00 p.m.)
• Dec. 4 — Districts 3, 6, 7 (3:30 p.m.)
• Dec. 18 — Districts 1, 2, 5 (4:00 p.m.)
• Jan. 21 — All Districts (11:30 a.m.)
• Feb. 11 — All Districts (4:00 p.m.)
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Connecting Small Businesses to Big Opportunities
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The City Heights Community Development Corporation, in partnership with Zensar and Miller Public Affairs, is hosting a small business outreach event to help local entrepreneurs connect with new procurement and contracting opportunities with the City of San Diego. Attendees will have the chance to network directly with procurement and IT professionals while learning how to partner with the City. The event will be held on November 11 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in City Heights.
For more information or to register, click here.
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San Diego Police Department Launches P.L.A.Y. Program for Youth
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The San Diego Police Department has launched P.L.A.Y. — Police Leading Adventures for Youth — a new initiative designed to strengthen relationships between officers and local youth through fun, interactive activities. The first event, “Game with a Cop,” invites kids and teens to connect with officers over board and tabletop games.
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Civic Center Plaza Comes Alive with Plaza Central Pop-Ups
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Downtown’s Civic Center Plaza is getting a vibrant refresh with Plaza Central — a new series of pop-up events bringing food, music, and art to the heart of the city. The activations are free and open to the public every Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a lively preview of the area’s long-term revitalization.
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Stay Informed with Inside San Diego
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Stay up-to-date with the latest news and information about our city through Inside San Diego, our new hub for all things San Diego.
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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