Dear Neighbor, 

We broke ground on Rose Creek Village in Pacific Beach—59 affordable apartments, including 18 reserved for veterans experiencing homelessness.

I’m proud of this project  because it represents what’s possible when we work together. Rose Creek Village is being developed by the San Diego Community Housing Corporation and National CORE in partnership with the City of San Diego, the San Diego Housing Commission, the County of San Diego, and regional and federal partners. With support from the City’s Bridge to Home program that’s creating thousands of affordable homes across San Diego, Rose Creek Village will provide homes with on-site supportive services that will remain affordable for 55 years. 

Rose Creek Village will provide not just shelter, but stability and opportunity in a high-opportunity neighborhood close to schools, jobs, transit, beaches, and parks. Together, we’re making real progress to ensure a roof over the head of every San Diegan at a price they can afford. 

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

 

From Policy to People: Marita’s Story at Presidio Palms

For Marita, stability came after years of hardship. Adopted at age five, she faced a difficult upbringing and recently experienced homelessness for more than a year. Today, she lives at Presidio Palms in Mission Valley, a supportive housing community created through the State’s Homekey program. 

 

Homekey is a California state program that converts hotels, motels, and other properties into interim and permanent housing for people experiencing homelessness. Since launching in San Diego, we’ve created more than 600 homes like Marita’s using Homekey funding. Next month, 200 more will open at Pacific Village in the Midway District. And through Homekey+, the State’s new program, we’re applying for additional funding to keep this progress going. 

 

Housing is not about buildings or units—it’s about people. Every time we create more homes, we open the door to stability, dignity, and opportunity.  

 

Global Engagement Brings Jobs, Investment, and Opportunity Home to San Diego

San Diego’s success depends on strong global ties. That’s why I’ve led trade missions with World Trade Center San Diego to attract investment, strengthen defense and cultural partnerships, and open doors for San Diegans. 

 

And these efforts are already paying off for San Diego: nonstop flights to Amsterdam, expansion by companies like Samsung Semiconductor, the return of pandas to the San Diego Zoo, and new trade and economic opportunities with the Philippines. Global engagement isn’t just diplomacy — it’s jobs, innovation, and opportunity here at home. 

 

Read my full op-ed with Dr. Nikia Clarke in Times of San Diego: Global Engagement Does a World of Good for San Diego. 

 

Supporting Federal Action to Cut Red Tape and Build More Housing

I endorsed Congresswoman Laura Friedman’s bipartisan Cut Red Tape for Housing Act, legislation that removes unnecessary federal barriers to housing in already developed urban communities. 

 

The bill will help lower housing costs and speed up construction. 

 

San Diego’s future depends on tackling our housing crisis head-on, and that means making it easier, faster, and less expensive to build homes where people need them most. 

 

The Cut Red Tape for Housing Act is a commonsense step toward ensuring every San Diegan has a roof over their head at a price they can afford. 

 

👍❤️ Mayor’s Mix: Old Town’s Historic Claim ❤️👍

Last week, we asked: Which San Diego neighborhood is home to the oldest surviving structure in the city? 

Here’s how you voted: 
 
▪️ “Old Town” — 73.81% ✅ 
▪️ “La Jolla” — 4.76% 
▪️ “Barrio Logan” — 20.00% 

The correct answer is Old Town, where the Casa de Estudillo and other preserved adobe buildings remain as some of the oldest surviving structures in San Diego. These landmarks connect us directly to our city’s early history and cultural heritage. 

This week’s question: Which San Diego neighborhood was the first to get a branch library outside of Downtown? 

▪️ Logan Heights 
▪️ University Heights 
▪️ La Jolla 

Answer below or send your guess to askthemayor@sandiego.gov — and check back next week to see if you got it right! 

 

GETTING IT DONE - FIXING OUR STREETS

 

Smoother, Safer Travel on Camino Del Rio North in Mission Valley 

Camino Del Rio North has undergone major improvements, transforming a roadway that was in extremely poor condition. This year, it received an asphalt overlay and fresh striping, including new green bicycle markings to enhance safety and visibility for cyclists on this busy route. 

 

Asphalt overlay involves adding a new 1- to 3-inch layer of asphalt after milling down the old surface, creating smoother, longer-lasting roads. These upgrades are part of our citywide commitment to fix the roads and improve safety for everyone traveling through San Diego. 

Camino del Rio North in Mission Valley

 
 

MAYOR GLORIA AROUND TOWN

 

Inspiring Young Readers in Serra Mesa

At Juarez Elementary in Serra Mesa, I joined students for their Read-A-Thon, sharing a story and answering their thoughtful questions. Supporting young readers is an investment in San Diego’s future, and I’m grateful to the teachers and families who nurture a love of learning in our schools. 

 

41st Annual Coastal Cleanup Day in Ocean Beach

Robb Field in Ocean Beach was the main hub for I Love A Clean San Diego’s 41st Annual Coastal Cleanup Day. With more than 100 sites countywide, thousands of volunteers pitched in to protect our coastline, waterways, and neighborhoods—demonstrating the power of community action in keeping San Diego clean and beautiful. 

 

Supporting Public Safety at the Police Foundation Soirée

The San Diego Police Foundation’s annual fundraiser, “The Cop Hop,” brought the community together at Hilton Torrey Pines in La Jolla. Proceeds from the event support equipment, specialized training, and community programs that strengthen the San Diego Police Department’s mission of keeping our city safe. 

 

SAN DIEGO ON THE GLOBAL STAGE 

 

San Diego and Marseille, France: A Sister City Partnership for the Future 

I have signed a City Council resolution making Marseille, France, our newest official Sister City. This week, I’ll have the honor of formalizing this relationship in Marseille during our World Trade Center trade mission. Our two cities share strong ties in innovation, life sciences, and maritime industries, and this relationship will create new opportunities for local businesses, strengthen research and academic partnerships, and enrich our community through cultural exchange. At a time when global politics can feel divided and uncertain, city-to-city diplomacy shows how building friendships abroad delivers real benefits here at home. 

 

COMMUNITY UPDATES

 

City Launches First-Ever Community Recreation Needs Assessment 

The City of San Diego has launched its first-ever Community Recreation Needs Assessment (CRNA) to gather community input on recreational programming—such as classes, activities, and services—not the construction of new parks or recreation centers.

 

Through surveys, focus groups, interviews, workshops, and public meetings, residents will help shape an action plan to strengthen programs, eliminate barriers, and address inequities in access. The goal is to make sure recreation opportunities meet the needs of every neighborhood within our existing park system.

 

Community members are encouraged to take the online survey—open through February 28, 2026—at sandiego.gov/parksurvey.

 

Deadline Approaches for Trash and Recycling Bin Selection 

Eligible property owners have until September 30 to set up accounts and select their new trash and recycling bins at sandiego.gov/trash. Bin deliveries begin October 6, with old containers phased out through 2026. 

 

Creating an account ensures customers receive the right containers, access service updates, and manage future needs. 

 

Residents who no longer qualify for City service must contract with a private hauler. More info on next steps can be found here 

 

What Goes in Your Green Bin?

San Diegans have embraced organic waste recycling, helping divert more than 194,000 tons from landfills last year. Still, some items are causing problems in the composting process — especially plastic bags. Even those labeled compostable are not allowed in green bins, since they break down into thousands of tiny pieces of plastic.

Your green bin is for food scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, eggshells, coffee grounds, and meat or bones, as well as yard waste like grass clippings and branches.

 

For a full list of what can and can’t go in your green bin, visit the Curbside Organic Waste Recycling Guide.

 

Volunteers Needed for San Diego Police Department Crisis Intervention Program 

The San Diego Police Department is seeking volunteers to join its Crisis Intervention program, which provides short-term emotional and logistical support to residents experiencing traumatic events such as suicide, homicide, or overdose death. No experience is necessary; training is provided, and bilingual volunteers are encouraged to apply. To learn more, including upcoming information sessions, visit sandiego.gov/police/recruiting/volunteer. 

 

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!

 

Get the latest news from the City on Inside San Diego

 

Sign up for the “From the Mayor’s Desk” newsletter

Reach out to my office —

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

Message my office here.

sandiego.gov/mayor

Unsubscribe from future updates