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Dear Neighbor, 

 

I want to thank every San Diegan for your participation in this year’s election and for making your voices heard. Voting is a cornerstone of our democracy, and I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me to continue serving as your mayor for the next four years. 

 

As we look to the future, I remain steadfast in my vision of building a San Diego that works for all of us. That means we must continue tackling our city’s most pressing challenges head-on. 

 

I am fully committed to continue addressing the issues that matter most to San Diegans: keeping you safe, fixing roads, addressing homelessness, and building more housing to bring down the cost of living.  

 

Thank you again for your engagement, your trust, and your belief in our city. 

 

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

 

Roundtable on Implementation of New State Retail Theft Laws and Prop. 36

In a productive roundtable that we convened at City Hall, I welcomed California State Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and community leaders to discuss public safety challenges that I have been outspoken about as your Mayor — organized retail theft and tackling the scourge of illicit fentanyl and other hard drugs. 

 

Speaker Rivas, whose leadership in the Assembly was instrumental in passing a series of bills focused on retail theft, has taken the initiative to launch a statewide conversation on public safety, and he began this series here in San Diego. 

 

During our discussion, we examined the details of these new state laws, which provide stricter penalties for theft, targeting smash-and-grab incidents and car break-ins, and the ability to combine the value of stolen items across different incidents to meet felony thresholds. 

 

We also discussed the devastating impact of fentanyl and other hard drugs, which has affected all aspects of our community, particularly our unsheltered population. The need to effectively implement these new laws is critical, and we have a responsibility to deliver on these reforms in a way that truly makes San Diego safer. 

 

I emphasized our City's commitment to protecting public spaces, supporting our law enforcement, and fostering partnerships with local and state agencies to implement these common-sense measures. 

 

At the end of the day, we must ensure accountability when crimes are committed. Last week, voters echoed this sentiment by overwhelmingly passing Prop 36, demonstrating their strong support for increased public safety measures and accountability. 

 

I look forward to working together to stand for these kinds of common-sense public safety measures and ensuring San Diego remains one of the safest big cities in America. 

 

San Diego K-12 Students Invited to Apply for “Mayor for a Day” Contest

I'm thrilled to announce the return of our “Mayor for a Day” contest!  

 

San Diego Unified School District students from kindergarten through 12th grade to are invited share their vision for our city and what they would do if they were Mayor for a Day. 

 

Students can submit their ideas through an essay or video. The winner will have the chance to shadow me for a day at City Hall and participate in my upcoming State of the City address in January.  

 

This contest holds personal significance for me, as I was once a runner-up in a similar competition when I was a student in San Diego. That’s why I encourage all students to participate.

 

Entries are due by Nov. 29. For submission guidelines and more information, visit www.sandiego.gov/mayorforaday. 

 

New Interactive Kiosks Unveiled in Downtown San Diego

I joined the Downtown San Diego Partnership and IKE Smart City to celebrate the unveiling of the first digital interactive kiosks in Downtown San Diego.  

 

These IKE (Interactive Kiosk Experience) kiosks are designed to help residents and visitors navigate our city, discover local businesses, and access essential resources like safe shelter options, addiction recovery programs, food support, and City services such as Get It Done. 

 

With dual-sided, touch-screen displays, these kiosks provide real-time information on transit options, public safety alerts, and promote diverse mobility solutions. Users can also connect directly with the Downtown San Diego Partnership’s Clean and Safe Team via a call button for safety assistance or late-night escorts within the Downtown area. 

 

This project, which was supported by our City Council, is expected to generate nearly $15 million for San Diego and $7 million for the Downtown San Diego Partnership through advertising on the kiosks. Over the next two years, at least 50 kiosks will be installed throughout Downtown, from the City Center to the East Village and Convention Center District. 

 

GETTING IT DONE - FIXING OUR STREETS

 

North Park Street Resurfacing 

Our dedicated road crews recently completed grinding and repaving several streets in North Park. Please remember to keep reporting potholes and road issues through our Get It Done app – your input helps us prioritize repairs. Curious about other projects? Check out the City’s interactive project map at sandiego.gov/projectfinder to see what’s happening in your neighborhood! 

 

MAYOR GLORIA AROUND TOWN

 

World Design Capital Concludes with Global Conference and Convocation Ceremony

San Diego proudly hosted over 400 international leaders at the World Design Policy Conference, a major event celebrating our city’s role as a binational World Design Capital alongside Tijuana. Through engaging panels, workshops, and keynote sessions, attendees explored how design can bridge borders and address global challenges, reinforcing the role of thoughtful design in creating inclusive urban communities. The yearlong World Design Capital festivities culminated with a memorable Convocation Ceremony at the Epstein Family Amphitheater, where I joined leaders from San Diego, Tijuana, and Frankfurt to officially hand over the World Design Capital title to Frankfurt for 2026.  

 

San Diego Asian Film Festival Week Recognized

I joined the closing night of the San Diego Asian Film Festival in Mira Mesa to help mark Pacific Arts Movement's 25 years of celebrating and showcasing AANHPI stories. I proclaimed last week “San Diego Asian Film Festival Week” to honor the cultural richness and community spirit that this beloved annual event brings to our city. 

 

Celebrating 25 Years of Circulate San Diego

Circulate San Diego recently celebrated 25 years of their organization’s dedication to creating safer, more connected neighborhoods. I was proud to see several City projects, including our Hillcrest Focused Plan and Vision Zero improvements, nominated for their annual awards. Thank you, Circulate, for your ongoing advocacy! 

 

Honoring Judith Harris at the Central Library

We celebrated Judith Harris's legacy at the Central Library by renaming the art gallery in her honor. Judith’s commitment to arts, culture, and our library system, including her leadership in building the Central Library, has left a lasting impact on San Diego. The new Judith Harris Gallery is a fitting tribute to her vision and dedication. 

COMMUNITY UPDATES

 

Meet San Diego's Poet Laureate at the Brown Bag Poetry Series

Take a break from your usual downtown lunch routine and feed your mind and soul with poetry! Grab your lunch and go to the Civic Center Concourse for the Brown Bag Poetry Series with San Diego Poet Laureate Jason Magabo Perez on the dates below. The Poet Laureate will read his poetry, accompanied by special guest poets, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience.

  • When: Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024
  • Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
  • Where: Civic Center Concourse, 202 C Street, San Diego, CA 92101
  • Questions: Call the Department of Cultural Affairs at 619-236-6800

The free event is the perfect opportunity to appreciate the power of poetry while meeting the poet who represents our City's vibrant literary scene. Water will be provided. We look forward to seeing you at the Brown Bag Poetry Series!

 

About Jason Magabo Perez

Jason Magabo Perez is a powerful voice in San Diego's poetry scene. As Poet Laureate, he aims to make poetry more accessible to the community. His work explores themes of identity, culture, and the human experience.

 

San Diegans Invited to Join the Conversation During Second Phase of Trash Study Outreach 

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 abouttrash, recyclingand organic waste collection services. Residents who prefer more formal presentations of study information can attendmeetings 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 2: Nov. 18, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Cathy Hopper Friendship Center at the North Clairemont Recreation Center, 4425 Bannock Ave., San Diego, CA 92117  

· Council District 7: Nov. 19, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Tierrasanta Recreation Center, 11220 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA92117  

· Council District 3: Nov. 20, 4 to 5:30 p.m., San Diego Central Library @ Joan Λ Irwin Jacobs Common, 330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101  

· Council District 5: Nov. 25, 5:30 to 7 p.m., San Diego Oasis at Rancho Bernardo, 17170 Bernardo Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92128  

· Council District 8: Nov. 26, 5:30 to 7 p.m., San Ysidro Library, 4235 Beyer Blvd., San Diego, CA 92173  

· 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 

 

Draft Mobility Master Plan Available for Public Review

The City of San Diego has released the revised Draft Mobility Master Plan, shaped by community feedback from a year of outreach efforts. This comprehensive plan aims to create a balanced, equitable, and sustainable transportation system, prioritizing areas of greatest need, Vision Zero goals, and climate action initiatives.

 

The updated plan includes expanded community profiles, an increased list of mobility projects, and new programs like Wayfinding and Transportation Demand Management.

 

Residents are encouraged to review the plan and submit comments on the Mobility Master Plan webpage before it heads to the City Council for final approval in coming months. 

 

Stay Informed with Inside San Diego

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!

 

City of San Diego Recruiting Beach Lifeguards for Summer 2025 

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. 

Get the latest news from the City on Inside San Diego

 

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202 C St., 11th Floor
San Diego, CA 92101
619-236-6330

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