One of the reasons I ran for Mayor was to ensure San Diego acted like the big city we are—as the eighth largest in the country—and that we have a seat at the table; locally, regionally, and nationally. That’s why I’m proud to share that I’ve been elected Vice President of the United States Conference of Mayors, the official organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more.
This role gives us a greater role in shaping national policy on the issues that matter most to our city such as cost of living, housing and homelessness. It also positions me to help lead a bipartisan coalition of mayors pushing for real solutions in a time when federal support is shrinking and cities are being asked to do more with less.
At this year’s annual meeting, I successfully sponsored six policy resolutions that reflect our local priorities—from expanding shelter access through Safe Parking to supporting funding for emergency housing vouchers. These efforts ensure our city’s leadership is helping to drive change at the national level.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring San Diego’s experience to the national stage—and I’ll keep fighting to make sure cities like ours are heard, supported, and empowered to deliver progress for the people we serve.
As always, it’s an honor to serve as your Mayor.
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$10 Million State Grant Will Fund Safer Streets in Redwood Village and Oak Park
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Thanks to a $10 million award from the California Transportation Commission, the City of San Diego will move forward with long-overdue safety improvements along Streamview Drive—a high-crash corridor in the Redwood Village and Oak Park neighborhoods.
This grant will help fund the Streamview Drive Revitalization Project, which includes new roundabouts, raised medians, buffered bike lanes, improved sidewalks and ADA ramps, upgraded bus stops, and other improvements that will make the street safer and more accessible for everyone.
When I took office, I made it a priority to reform how our City pursues competitive grants—and those changes are paying off. We’ve now secured more than $1 billion in state and federal funding for critical infrastructure projects like this one, which is scheduled for completion in 2028.
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SeaWorld Settlement to Fund Park Upgrades Across San Diego
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We’re delivering on what San Diegans have been asking for—new restrooms, safer playgrounds, and cleaner, more accessible parks in neighborhoods across our city.
Thanks to a legal settlement with SeaWorld over unpaid lease revenue, we’re investing nearly $8 million in long-overdue improvements at 11 park locations. That includes $3.6 million to upgrade the restrooms and playground at Robb Field in Ocean Beach, plus funding for ADA improvements in Mountain View, sidewalk repairs in La Jolla, and the restoration of the historic barn at the Rancho Peñasquitos Equestrian Center.
This is exactly the kind of smart investment that makes our parks safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable for every San Diegan.
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San Diego on the Global Stage
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San Diego Launches New Direct Flight to Panama City
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San Diego celebrated the launch of Copa Airlines’ new nonstop service to our Sister City, Panama City—the first nonstop flight connecting our region to Central America.
This new route strengthens our ties with Latin America, supports international tourism, and opens the door to new business and trade opportunities. Plus, when tourists spend money during their visits to San Diego, some of that revenue supports City services—like fixing roads, maintaining parks, and keeping our neighborhoods clean and safe.
International connections like this help grow our economy and improve quality of life here at home.
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GETTING IT DONE - FIXING OUR STREETS
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Repaving on Clairemont Drive
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In Clairemont, the southwestern segment of Clairemont Drive has been freshly resurfaced and restriped following pipeline construction in the area.
These improvements are making the road safer and more comfortable for everyone who travels through the neighborhood. Once the rest of the infrastructure work wraps up, we’ll move forward with repaving the remaining portions of this important corridor.
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Gullstrand Street in University City
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Honorary Street Sign Unveiled in North Park for Lucky Wong
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North Park neighbors came together to honor Lucky Wong, the beloved owner of Lucky’s Golden Phenix, with a new honorary street sign on Grim Avenue. With support from Councilmember Whitburn and Lucky’s family, the sign now stands as a tribute to decades of kindness, community, and tradition.
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Aaron Price Fellows Get a Behind-the-Scenes Look at City Hall
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High school students in the Aaron Price Fellows program spent the day at City Hall learning how local government works and exploring careers in public service. Their thoughtful questions and energy showed just how engaged and curious our city’s future leaders already are. Thanks to Price Philanthropies for continuing to invest in youth civic education.
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Mira Mesa Students Explore Public Service Through Road Scholars Program
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Students from Mira Mesa High School’s “Road Scholars” program visited City Hall for a conversation about civic leadership, identity, and public service. Organized by the Asian Pacific Islander Initiative, the visit gave these emerging leaders who travel around the region to learn from local leaders a chance to ask questions, share their aspirations, and learn how they can shape their communities.
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College Area and Rolando Residents Honor First Responders
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Community members from the College Area and Rolando came together for First Responders Appreciation Day, hosted by both neighborhood councils. Our office was proud to be represented by Fatima Maciel, who joined residents in thanking the firefighters, police officers, and paramedics who serve these communities every day. Gratitude to the organizers and local restaurants who helped make this a meaningful event.
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Plan Ahead for Fourth of July Downtown: Traffic Delays Expected Due to Events and Lane Closures on Harbor Drive
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The Fourth of July is on Friday, and if you’re heading Downtown, it’s a good idea to leave early to make sure you have enough time to reach your destination.
Between the Big Bay Boom fireworks show – the biggest west of the Mississippi – a concert happening at the same time is a show at the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park – “4th of July: America in Song – and many other events, traffic delays will require extra patience.
Plan ahead: Due to an ongoing sewer main replacement project, traffic along Harbor Drive between Park Blvd. at the pedestrian bridge and Beardsley St. in Barrio Logan is reduced to one lane in each direction. While there will not be active construction, the traffic control pattern will remain in place.
Allow lots of extra time, and, if possible, find alternate routes or use public transportation. Happy Independence Day!
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State Launches CalAssist Mortgage Fund for Disaster-Affected Homeowners
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Starting June 12, California homeowners whose homes were destroyed or left uninhabitable by recent disasters—including the San Diego floods—can apply for up to $20,000 in mortgage relief through the new CalAssist Mortgage Fund.
The $105 million program, managed by the California Housing Finance Agency, offers grants covering up to three months of mortgage payments for homeowners affected by disasters that were declared a state or federal emergency between January 2023 and January 2025. These funds do not need to be repaid and will go directly to mortgage servicers on behalf of approved applicants.
Applications will be reviewed on first-come, first-served basis. Given the finite level of resources, households are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible to be considered for the program.
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City Planning Department Wants Your Input on Infrastructure Priorities
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San Diegans are invited to share their infrastructure priorities by completing the Infrastructure Priorities Survey. Input received by Aug. 1, 2025, will help shape the City’s Five-Year Capital Infrastructure Planning Outlook for Fiscal Years 2027–2031. The survey remains open year-round, with later responses considered for future planning cycles. Visit the Infrastructure Priorities website to learn more.
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Community Invited to Learn More About Midway Rising’s Vision for Housing and Entertainment
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Midway Rising – the selected project for the Sports Arena redevelopment -- is hosting an informational workshop to share updates on its plans to transform the Sports Arena site into a vibrant, mixed-use district. As proposed, the project includes 2,000 affordable homes, a 16,000-seat entertainment venue, and acres of parks and public space.
Join the them on Monday, June 30, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the City Heights/Weingart Library Community Room, 3795 Fairmount Ave. Complimentary parking available. Please RSVP here.
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Parks After Dark Brings Free Family Fun to Neighborhood Parks
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The City is partnering with the San Diego Parks Foundation to host Parks After Dark, a free summer program that transforms neighborhood parks into vibrant hubs of evening activity. Families can enjoy outdoor movies, music, games, and community resources from June 14 through August 9, from 5 to 8 p.m. (no events June 19, July 3, 4 and 5) at the City Heights Rec Center, Linda Vista Rec Center, Memorial Rec Center, Skyline Hills Rec Center and Silver Wing (June 14 – July 26 only). These events support safer, more connected communities by activating public spaces after hours and making recreation accessible for all. Learn more here.
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