|
|
|
Dear Neighbor,
It was so moving to see our city come together to honor the life and legacy of Officer Austin Machitar, a hero who gave his life in the line of duty to protect his fellow citizens.
Austin was just 30 years old, but he was able to make a lasting impact in his five-and-a-half years of service with the San Diego Police Department, on his fellow officers, and on our community. His infectious positive attitude, leadership skills, and compassion drew people to him and inspired those around him to be better versions of themselves.
Austin's decision to serve as a police officer wasn’t just a career choice; it was a calling. He understood the risks but embraced them out of a deep love for San Diego and a commitment to protect and serve the hometown he loved.
To Austin’s family — his parents, Leslie and Chris and his sister, Asia — I offer the deep condolences and profound gratitude of our city.
While his watch has ended, his light will never fade. I can promise that in the days, months, and years ahead, we will find ways to memorialize and immortalize the legacy of this hero.
As always, it’s an honor to serve as your Mayor. |
|
|
|
San Diego Seeing Rent Relief as Housing Policies Take Effect |
|
|
For the first time in decades, San Diego is finally starting to see some relief from skyrocketing rents.
The average rent has grown by just 0.5% this year—down from a staggering 13% increase in 2022. The cooling off reflects the impact of our City’s pro-housing policies that are making it easier to build more homes faster.
San Diego's vacancy rate has increased to 5.2%, the highest since the pandemic’s onset, signaling that more rental units are available for those who need them.
Our efforts to streamline development and increase housing production are helping to ease the strain on supply that drives up rents, though we recognize there is still much work to be done. I will continue pushing forward with housing initiatives to ensure that every San Diegan can have a roof over their head at a price they can afford. |
|
|
City Supporting Small Businesses Through the Capacity Building Grant |
|
|
The City is committed to fostering economic growth in San Diego, and a key part of that effort is our Capacity Building Grant (CBG) program, operated by our Economic Development Department. This initiative is designed to help community-based organizations that directly assist small businesses in under-resourced communities across our city.
Nonprofit organizations serving areas such as City Heights, Logan Heights, Southeastern, Linda Vista, and the LGBTQ+ community are eligible to apply for grants ranging from $10,000 to $30,000. These funds can be used for non-personnel expenses like providing technical assistance, building websites, programming events, or creating business directories — all aimed at supporting the local businesses that are the backbone of our communities.
Projects previously funded by the CBG include support for childcare businesses navigating regulatory processes and micro-enterprise programs in Barrio Logan and Linda Vista. The program is an incredible resource for nonprofits looking to uplift the small businesses that drive our city forward.
Applications for this opportunity close on Sept. 27. I encourage all qualifying organizations to apply or reach out if they have any questions about eligibility. Together, we can ensure that every small business in San Diego has the support they need to thrive.
For more information and to apply, visit the Capacity Building Grant Program webpage. Let's continue building a stronger, more inclusive economy for all of San Diego. |
|
|
Safe Parking Program: A Pathway to Stability |
|
|
Our City’s Safe Parking Program, operated in partnership with Jewish Family Service (JFS), continues to make a significant impact in the lives of San Diegans struggling to reestablish stability and get back on their feet.
JFS recently reported an incredible 66% exit rate into housing for people seeking refuge at the City-run Safe Parking site at Rose Canyon. This program offers a vital lifeline to unsheltered San Diegans, many of whom are experiencing homelessness for the first time, and helps them transition back to stable housing.
Our Safe Parking program runs nightly across four secured lots in the city, including Balboa Avenue, Aero Drive, and Mission Village Drive. For those living in RVs, JFS’s Mission Valley lot offers a safe, secure environment.
Participants receive wraparound services such as employment assistance, financial education, and family wellness support to help them regain stability.
To enroll, visit the JFS website or call (858) 637-3373.
Together with our nonprofit partners, we are ensuring that every San Diegan has access to safety and a path toward permanent housing. |
|
|
GETTING IT DONE - FIXING OUR STREETS |
|
|
Resurfacing Moonridge Drive in La Jolla |
|
The City's road-resurfacing teams are hard at work! Recently, one of our three new in-house teams completed resurfacing on Moonridge Drive in La Jolla, where pavement conditions in some segments have been some of the worst in the city. Using street condition data and service reports, the team tackled this critical stretch of damaged road, providing long-lasting repairs that will improve road conditions and reduce the need for future pothole fixes. |
|
.jpeg)
|
|
MAYOR GLORIA AROUND TOWN |
|
|
|
Three Decades of Celebrating Pacific Islander Culture |
|
I had the honor of joining the Pacific Islander Festival Association (PIFA) at Ski Beach for the 30th anniversary of their annual celebration. This incredible event highlights the rich traditions of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia, bringing together our community to honor and celebrate diverse cultures. From traditional music and dance to arts, crafts, and delicious food, PIFA is a vital part of what makes San Diego such a vibrant and inclusive city. |
|
|
|
Visiting San Diego’s Future Leaders |
|
I visited with students at both Field Elementary in Clairemont and Juarez Elementary in Serra Mesa recently, and kids at both schools impressed me by asking excellent questions about how city government works. At Field, I shared my story of growing up in Clairemont and becoming Mayor, encouraging students to make a difference in their community no matter their age, and they took turns asking me great questions about what it’s like to be a mayor. At Juarez, I participated in their annual Read-A-Thon, reading to 4th and 5th graders and inspiring them to keep up their great work. Students there asked me about our Climate Action Plan and had other very informed questions for me. It's always a joy to engage with San Diego's future leaders! |
|
|
|
Celebrating 100 Years of Scripps Health |
|
The celebration of Scripps Health’s 100th anniversary at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla was a chance to acknowledge the institution's century of service to San Diego. From its humble beginnings as a 57-bed facility, Scripps has grown to operate five hospitals in San Diego County, continuing the legacy of Ellen Browning Scripps and Mother Mary Michael Cummings. Congratulations to Scripps Health on this milestone! |
|
|
COMMUNITY UPDATES |
|
|
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! |
|
|
Residents Reminded to Plan Ahead for Potential Emergencies |
|
As September is National Preparedness Month, and following the recent heat wave in our region, the City of San Diego is urging everyone to review safety procedures at home and work. Having a plan in place before a disaster strikes is crucial, and San Diegans are encouraged to prepare for potential life-threatening situations, such as wildfires, earthquakes, major storms and floods.
National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year.
SDOES reminds residents to review their emergency plans, create an emergency supply kit and stay informed. There are a number of preventative measures San Diegans can take to help keep their families, pets, homes and businesses safe. Getting involved with community groups and organizations is an excellent way to remain prepared throughout the year.
Alert San Diego The countywide Alert San Diego is a regional notification system that will send telephone notifications to residents and businesses within San Diego County impacted by, or in danger of being impacted by, an emergency or disaster. Sign up at readysandiego.org.
Fire Safety Wildfires currently burning in California are a stark reminder that preparedness is paramount. With more warm weather on the way, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department recommends San Diegans use Ready, Set, Go! as a guide for developing emergency plans for responding to wildfires. The Ready, Set, Go! action plan provides information, multiple checklists and suggestions for what you need to supply a proper emergency kit. It also includes a printable contact information sheet and more.
Earthquakes Because of its location on two tectonic plates, California is a high-risk area for earthquakes. Earthquakes can happen without warning and can result in injuries and damage to property and roads. The state of California offers a free Homeowners’ Guide to Earthquake Safety that can help you prepare for an earthquake and determine what to do after a quake occurs.
Flooding The City provides Flood Insurance Rate Maps and National Flood Insurance Program information that can help property owners prepare in areas near the coast, along rivers and creeks and low-lying areas. Also, people who live or work in areas downstream from reservoir dams could be impacted if a dam failed due to earthquake or another catastrophe. Learn more by visiting the City’s Floodplain Management page.
Evacuations In any emergency, it is important to follow the recommendations of our public safety professionals. The San Diego Police Department provides evacuation coordination for safe and expeditious clearing of homes and businesses during emergency situations when necessary. Listen and follow their instructions for your safety.
In order to address climate hazards, the City has developed Climate Resilient SD, a comprehensive plan to prepare for, respond to and recover from climate change-related impacts and improve local communities.
About the San Diego Office of Emergency Services The City of San Diego's Office of Emergency Services strives to promote a secure and resilient City with the capabilities required across the whole community to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to and recover from threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk to the citizens we serve.
Learn more about the San Diego Office of Emergency Services on the City’s website where we provide information on emergency preparedness, including the new Hazards Dashboard to monitor weather patterns, potential threats and other important topics. |
|
|
Learn More about Serving Your City |
|
San Diegans, here's your chance to make a difference in our community!
The City has 49 Boards and Commissions that advise my administration and the City Council on a wide range of important issues. We are looking for dedicated individuals to join these groups and help shape the future of our city. If you're passionate about contributing to San Diego's progress, apply now! Simply fill out the application form, and we’ll get in touch with you soon.
Learn more about our boards and commissions here. Let’s work together to make San Diego better for everyone! |
|
|
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 Oct. 10, 11, 12, and 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 |
|
|
|
Sign up for the “From the Mayor’s Desk” newsletter |
|
Reach out to my office — Office of the Mayor |
|
|
Unsubscribe from future updates |