The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration have agreed to accelerate critical repairs and upgrades to reduce the toxic sewage flows entering the Tijuana River Valley and fouling our coastline. 

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Secretary of the Environment and National Resources of Mexico Alicia Bárcena Ibarra signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the United States and Mexico to further address the decades-long Tijuana River sewage crisis. This agreement does the following:  

This announcement is a win for public health, our environment, and thousands of San Diegans who’ve demanded action. This is a faster path toward containment, treatment, and real results. It reflects a renewed cross-border commitment to finally address this decades-long environmental disaster.

Comic-Con International 2025 has come to a close—and once again, San Diego proved why we’re the perfect home for the world’s premier pop-culture event! 

I was proud to kick things off alongside a true superhero team: City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, Convention Center President Rip Rippetoe, Comic-Con’s David Glanzer, Tourism Authority CEO Daniel Kuperschmid—and First Dog Diego, who dressed up this year as Chase from Paw Patrol. Together, we welcomed thousands of fans, creators, and industry leaders to our Convention Center and Downtown neighborhoods for a weekend full of imagination, excitement, and community. 

This year’s event is expected to generate around $3.2 million in hotel-room tax revenue for the City—dollars that help fix our streets, support public safety, and keep our libraries and parks running strong. In total, Comic-Con 2025 brings an approximately $160 million boost to the local economy, supporting jobs and businesses throughout San Diego. 

Of course, Comic-Con’s impact goes beyond the economic numbers. It transforms our city into a celebration of creativity and self-expression, and it brings together people from all walks of life to share in the joy of fandom. I’m grateful to the organizers, volunteers, hospitality workers, and public safety personnel who made it a success. 

This event is San Diego at its best—and I look forward to welcoming Comic-Con back again next year.

For years, the question has been asked: What is the City going to do with 101 Ash Street?

Finally, with direction from this City Council, a proposal this week would transform the long-vacant 101 Ash St. building into something San Diego truly needs: affordable housing. 

If approved, the project will create 247 homes for households earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income—those most at risk of becoming homeless. The development would also include 25,000 square feet of retail space and a 4,000-square-foot childcare center, helping to activate the surrounding blocks and support working families. 

The City would lease the property for 60 years and retain ownership of both the land and the fully redeveloped building at the end of the term. No City funds would be contributed directly to the project. Instead, the developer will borrow against the value of the building—paying interest over time—and be fully responsible for financing, environmental review, design, and construction. 

There’s no denying the history of 101 Ash. It’s been a source of frustration for residents and city leaders alike. The proposed path forward reflects what San Diegans have asked for: a responsible resolution and a clear public benefit. By repurposing this site for affordable housing, we’re not just closing a chapter—we’re writing a new and better one. 

This proposal supports our city’s housing and equity goals, reduces costs to taxpayers, and puts the building to work for the public good. That’s the kind of outcome San Diegans deserve. 

First, last week’s answer: 
I asked: San Diego was an early adopter of what mid-century innovation, with locations like Alta Dena serving customers without them ever leaving their cars? 

Answer: A) Drive-thru dairy 
That’s right—San Diegans could pick up milk, eggs, and more without ever stepping out of the car. Alta Dena and similar spots were staples in mid-century neighborhoods across the region. 

Now, onto this week’s reminder and trivia: 

In San Diego, fire danger is a year-round concern. Even when we’re not in peak wildfire season, dry conditions and hot weather keep the risk high. Stay ready: clear defensible space around your home, keep your emergency kit stocked, and sign up for alerts at AlertSanDiego.org. 

This week’s question: