Officer Austin Machitar (left) and Officer Zachary Martinez.
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Our community has been deeply affected by the tragic loss of Officer Austin Machitar and the critical injury of Officer Zachary Martinez.
Officer Machitar’s passing is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks our police officers face every day, and our hearts are with his family and loved ones. We are also keeping Officer Martinez in our thoughts, praying for his recovery.
Together with the San Diego Police Officers Association, we are committed to providing all necessary support to the families of these officers during this challenging time.
The strength of our community shines brightest in these dark and difficult moments. The sympathy and support San Diegans have shown for our law enforcement family has been truly heartening.
Let’s continue to honor their sacrifices by coming together as a community and standing united in our appreciation for the brave officers who risk their lives every single day to keep all of us safe.
As always, it’s an honor to serve as your Mayor.
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Road Repair Coming to Rancho Peñasquitos and Other Northeastern San Diego Neighborhoods
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San Diego is about to see some major improvements to our streets in several of our northeastern neighborhoods, thanks to the latest phase of our slurry seal program. This vital work will take place in Rancho Peñasquitos, Scripps Ranch, Torrey Highlands and Carmel Mountain Ranch.
Work started last week and will continue through September, weather permitting. Slurry seal is a preventative measure that helps maintain the quality of our roads. By applying a protective layer of asphalt emulsion, sand, and rock to the surface, we can extend the life of our streets, reducing the need for more costly repairs in the future.
This phase of the project will include work on roads like Camino Del Norte, Bernardo Center Drive, and Del Mar Heights Road, among several others.
This is just one part of our ongoing efforts to fix the damn roads in every part of the city.
We are strategic about this work and use a comprehensive, data-driven pavement management system to prioritize repairs based on road conditions, traffic volume, and other factors.
San Diego’s roads have suffered from decades of underfunding and neglect, and I join you in the frustration and impatience for improvement. While this work is a step in the right direction, I recognize there’s still much to do – and I’m committed to getting it done.
Your patience and support are appreciated as we continue these efforts to improve our city’s aged and crumbling infrastructure.
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License Plate Reader Aids in the Swift Arrest in Local Homicide
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The San Diego Police Department recently made a swift arrest in connection with a tragic homicide in the O'Farrell neighborhood of San Diego, demonstrating the effectiveness of advanced technology and regional cooperation.
On Aug. 24, officers responded to a call in the 6400 block of Madrone Avenue, where a 55-year-old resident had been stabbed and killed. The suspect had fled the scene in the victim’s stolen car.
Thanks to SDPD's Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) system, the stolen vehicle was able to be quickly located. Coordinating with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, our team was able apprehend the suspect just 14 hours after the initial report. The suspect was taken into custody and is now facing charges of murder and vehicle theft.
The quick apprehension of this dangerous suspect highlights the value of technology like license plate readers and smart streetlights. These modern investigative tools, which are only deployed to help in critical cases like this one, help police better serve our communities and ensure San Diego remains one of the safest big cities in the country.
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New Legislation Will Streamline Storm Channel Maintenance
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San Diego is taking significant steps to enhance its storm resilience with the advancement of Assembly Bill 3227, known as the "Streamlining Storm Water Channel Maintenance Act."
In partnership with Assemblymember David Alvarez and sponsored by the City of San Diego, this bill, which passed the State Legislature last week, is designed to cut through red tape, allowing San Diego and other California cities to more effectively maintain storm channels.
Stormwater channel maintenance had been difficult to conduct due to state and federal regulatory and administrative requirements. More severe winter storms have increased the urgency to reduce this regulatory burden so that channels can be cleared and reinforced ahead of significant weather events.
This bill in conjunction with Assemblymember Alvarez’s AB 2501, which authorizes local governments to fund technical assistance and permitting for stormwater projects, would mean San Diego is better positioned to manage the challenges of a changing climate and the more severe weather we expect from it.
I encourage Governor Gavin Newsom to sign these two vital bills into law, allowing us to maintain our stormwater infrastructure more efficiently.
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GETTING IT DONE - FIXING OUR STREETS
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Road Improvements Underway in Kearny Mesa and Clairemont
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Resurfacing efforts continue in the Central San Diego communities of Kearny Mesa and Clairemont as Ruffin Road received much needed slurry seal and crews are working diligently to complete asphalt overlay resurfacing on Balboa Avenue. To keep track of upcoming and completed street work in your area, visit streets.sandiego.gov.
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At the USS Midway Museum's American Patriot Award Gala, we celebrated retired Rear Admiral John “Mac” McLaughlin for his outstanding contributions. His leadership has transformed the Midway into a world-class naval museum, fostering education and community engagement in San Diego. Rear Admiral McLaughlin’s dedication to preserving history and serving the community leaves a lasting impact on our city.
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Collaboration Key to Addressing International Issues
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Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma visited San Diego to discuss key international issues impacting our region. We focused on the environmental crisis in the Tijuana River Valley, wastewater treatment, and the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry. We appreciate Deputy Secretary Verma's commitment to understanding San Diego's needs and look forward to continued collaboration to address them.
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Honoring 9/11 Heroes at the Memorial Stair Climb
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It's always a powerful and humbling experience to participate in the annual San Diego Memorial 9/11 Stair Climb at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. This event honors the 403 emergency responders who tragically lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Climbing alongside our Fire Chief’s team and listening to inspiring words from Fire Captain Liam Flaherty of the New York City Fire Department is a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of our first responders. All funds raised from this event benefit FirefighterAid, a nonprofit that supports firefighters and their families in times of crisis.
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Jazz at the Creek in Southeastern San Diego
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The 13th Annual Jazz at the Creek brought together jazz enthusiasts and community members for an unforgettable Labor Day weekend. It was wonderful to see our neighbors enjoying great music and connecting in a vibrant setting. This event not only provided entertainment but also supported Mandate Project Impact's youth employment training programs, giving young people real-world experience in the entertainment industry. It was a fantastic celebration of music, culture and community spirit!
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City Seeks Community Input on Trash and Recycling Services
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San Diego residents receiving trash and recycling services from the Environmental Services Department (ESD) are invited to share their input through public meetings, questionnaires, and focus groups starting in early August. This initiative aims to evaluate and improve services while developing a cost-recovery fee structure. The first in-person meeting will be held on Aug. 5 at Logan Heights Library, with additional meetings scheduled across various Council Districts. A virtual meeting will be held on Aug. 24 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
In-person Community Meetings by Council District (CD); 5:30 to 7 p.m.
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CD1: Monday, Sept. 9, La Jolla/Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave., 92037
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Stay Informed with Inside San Diego
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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!
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Long-Term Replacement Planned for Ocean Beach Pier
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The City of San Diego has determined that the best course of action for the Ocean Beach Pier is to close it permanently and focus on a long-term replacement. The 58-year-old pier, damaged by high surf and storms, is no longer feasible to repair due to its age and the rising costs associated with maintaining it.
A 2018 study highlighted that the pier was beyond its useful life, and recent damage has only reinforced the need for a new structure. While immediate repairs are not viable, the City is actively working on the Ocean Beach Pier Renewal project. This initiative will replace the existing pier with a new design that retains iconic elements and introduces modern amenities.
We’ve engaged the community through multiple workshops to shape the vision for the new pier. With ongoing efforts to secure environmental permits and funding, the City is committed to creating a safer, more resilient pier for future generations. Stay tuned for updates and visit OBPierRenewal.com for more information.
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Save the Date! Creative City Open House is September 7
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After more than 70 community meetings, pop-ups, and targeted industry convenings, the consultants have gathered input and a draft of the cultural plan has been released for community input.
Join us for the Creative City Open House on September 7 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to learn more about the draft Creative City Cultural Plan!
The City will be hosting informal conversations about draft recommendations with the cultural planning consulting team to garner input.
It's a community event, and we want you to be a part of it. Everyone is welcome, and RSVP is appreciated for anticipating participant numbers!
Visit sdcreativecity.com for more details about the cultural planning initiative and how you can contribute.
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Experience the Power of art at Public Impact Day in Balboa Park
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Far South/Border North Public Impact Day is fast approaching on September 19 and you’re invited!
Join us at Balboa Park’s Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art and Mingei International Museum for a compelling exploration of art and culture for change. This free event offers a full day of activities where art intersects with public health, social justice, climate awareness, and civic engagement.
You can participate in a series of engaging talks, panel discussions, live performances and an expo that showcase the impactful work of artists and cultural practitioners from the Far South/Border North initiative. Learn more about their unique projects, which span various disciplines, and see firsthand how these efforts are molding the future of health equity.
Secure your spot for an epic day that promises insight and inspiration through the power of community and creativity.
Register now and join us for a transformative experience that highlights the cross-sector impact of arts and culture. Visit Far South/Border North for more information and registration.
This activity is funded in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency, and with additional support from Prebys Foundation.
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Learn More about Serving Your City
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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!
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Help Shape San Diego’s Bicycle Future: Provide Your Feedback on the Updated Bicycle Master Plan
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The City of San Diego just began an update to its Bicycle Master Plan. We are inviting you to visit our new website to learn about the plan update and provide feedback.
On this website, you'll find information about the project background, its timeline, a fact sheet and interactive tools so you can provide your input. These tools are:
The surveys and maps will be open for input through Tuesday, Sept. 10.
Your opinion matters to us and will help us prepare a plan that is informed by the community. For questions, please contact sustainability@sandiego.gov.
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City of San Diego Recruiting Beach Lifeguards for Summer 2025
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The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department is gearing up for the summer of 2025 by recruiting seasonal lifeguards. Swim tryouts are scheduled for Sept. 12, 13, 14, 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.
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