The State Legislature has passed Senate Bill 92, a bill I proudly sponsored authored by Senator Catherine Blakespear to strengthen California’s housing density bonus law and ensure it delivers what it was designed for: more affordable homes. 

SB 92 prevents developers from misusing the law to supersede local zoning and build oversized commercial projects with minimal housing. The legislation comes after a proposed Pacific Beach project sought to exploit the law by exceeding height and zoning limits while offering very little affordable housing. 

Now headed to Governor Newsom’s desk for his consideration, SB 92 is about keeping the focus on building homes San Diegans can afford. 

The State of California has released a Notice of Funding Availability for $137.8 million through the Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery Multifamily Housing Program (DR-MHP). This program, which our region is eligible for due to the flooding in January 2024, provides low-interest loans to support the construction of new affordable rental housing, including senior and supportive housing, in counties impacted by recent disasters—including here in San Diego. 

Private developers, public agencies, nonprofits, and tribal entities are eligible to apply. Funding is intended to accelerate affordable housing production and strengthen recovery following the 2023 and 2024 flood disasters. 

Applications will be accepted between October 10 and November 21, 2025, through the state’s eCivis Grants Network portal. Interested applicants are encouraged to register for a workshop webinar, with sessions on September 23 (general) and September 24 (Tribal entities). 

This is a significant opportunity to bring new affordable homes to San Diego while leveraging state resources to support recovery and resilience. 

San Diego is stepping up on the global stage. Thanks to a new partnership with the Prebys Foundation, my office has created a Chief Global Affairs Officer position to lead our international strategy and elevate San Diego’s profile worldwide. 

This role will align and amplify the work of our regional partners to attract foreign investment, deepen global partnerships, and promote shared solutions to challenges like climate change, economic growth, and defense innovation. 

Ben Moore, an experienced U.S. diplomat who has already been advancing San Diego’s international agenda through the U.S. Department of State’s Lewis Local Diplomat program, has been appointed to serve in this position. His leadership ensures continuity and momentum as we build San Diego’s global presence. 

In the past year alone, our efforts have strengthened Sister City partnerships, led a trade mission to the Philippines, and positioned San Diego for international events like the 2026 World Cup, 2028 Olympics, and our bid to host the 2029 Invictus Games. With new international flights and stronger ties across the Indo-Pacific and Europe, we’re more connected than ever before. 

This partnership makes clear: San Diego is not just participating globally—we’re leading, to deliver wins for all of us. 

Last week’s question: Before it was known as the Gaslamp Quarter, what was this downtown neighborhood commonly called in the late 1800s/early 1900s? 

Here’s how you voted: 
 
“New Town” — 38.21% 
“Stingaree” — 37.26% 
“Whale’s Landing” — 24.53% 

Turns out this was a bit of a trick question—both “New Town” and “Stingaree” are correct. In the 1860s, Alonzo Horton’s development became known as “New Town,” while the Stingaree was the name given to its notorious red-light district that thrived until reforms shut it down in the early 1900s. So congratulations to everyone who picked either answer—you were right! 

This week’s question: 

Which San Diego neighborhood is home to the oldest surviving structure in the city?

Old Town 
La Jolla 
Barrio Logan 

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

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.