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In This Issue:
Message from the Sheriff ● Keep San Diego Safe: Illegal Fireworks Put Lives and Property at Risk ● Sheriff’s Office Funding Increase in New Budget ● Keeping Each Other Safe This Holiday Weekend ● National Night Out ● Junior Women's Academy ● Upcoming Events
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I'd like to take a moment to reflect on the significance this July 4th represents to our nation and community. To the US founding fathers, independence from England represented the realization of natural rights, self-governance, and liberation from arbitrary rule. The establishment of a government that was grounded in the consent of the governed was a concept worth dying for. Today we firmly believe in the concepts of freedom of religion, free speech, freedom of the press and expression. It is the job of law enforcement to protect those rights, and I have been very proud of San Diegans who have come together in large numbers to peacefully demonstrate over the last two years.
As we move into the second half of our 250th year as a nation, take a moment to reflect on how special we are as a country and as a region. We are experiencing record low crime rates, and improved relationships between law enforcement and the communities we serve. I hope however you celebrate the 4th of July, that you have a safe and festive holiday.
Please enjoy fireworks responsibly (Link), look out for your neighbors, and keep a close eye on children and pets during festivities. And remember: if you see something that doesn’t look right, say something. Your awareness plays a vital role in keeping our neighborhoods safe.
Throughout July, the Sheriff's Office is excited to host several community events across the county and in your communities:
- July 14, 2026 – E‑Bike Presentation (Lemon Grove): Learn about e‑bike safety and local regulations. (Link)
- July 15, 2026 – Ice Cream with Deputies (North Coastal Station): Stop by for a cone and meet the deputies who serve your community. (Link)
- July 18, 2026 – Gun Safety Event (North Coastal Station): A no‑questions‑asked opportunity to safely relinquish unwanted firearms. (Link)
- July 30, 2026 – National Night Out Kickoff (Ramona Station): Join us for the department’s first NNO of the year, featuring classic cars and family‑friendly fun. Event begins at 6 p.m. (Link)
Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our neighborhoods safe. We hope you and your loved ones enjoy a safe, smart, and memorable start to the summer.
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Kelly A. Martinez, Sheriff
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Keep San Diego Safe: Illegal
Fireworks Put Lives and Property at Risk
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With the Fourth of July upon us, we want to remind the public that consumer fireworks, including those labeled as "safe and sane," are illegal in San Diego County. That includes items such as sparklers, firecrackers, cherry bombs, poppers, and bottle rockets.
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It's also illegal to transport fireworks from elsewhere into San Diego County or to make homemade fireworks or explosives. Those convicted of possessing and/or using fireworks could be fined up to $50,000 and up to one year in jail. Fines can be significantly increased depending upon the amount of property loss or if someone is hurt or killed in a fire sparked by fireworks.
Fireworks can also start brush fires. It takes just one spark to ignite dry brush that could potentially destroy property and put lives in danger. Please leave the fireworks to the professionals. Don't risk seriously hurting yourself or your loved ones by playing with fireworks. Report illegal fireworks going off in your neighborhood by calling your local law enforcement agency. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.
For more wildfire safety tips and resources, please click the video below.
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Sheriff’s Office Funding
Increased in New Budget
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The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a $9.16 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026–27, focusing on maintaining essential services, meeting rising community needs, and keeping the County in a solid financial position amid uncertainty at the state and federal levels.
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Within that, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office presented a balanced $1.4 billion budget for the coming year (a 4% increase) supporting 4,712 positions, which is a net gain of two position. The new budget takes effect July 1.
Several priorities shaped this year’s budget plan, including funding for negotiated labor agreements, continued investment in medical and mental health service contracts for our jail services, and adjusting to the impacts of Proposition 36 by adding 23 full‑time employees to support safe detention operations, reentry and counseling services, and meet the growing population and medical demands.
The budget also provides resources to help manage rising operational costs and ease ongoing fiscal pressures.
On the infrastructure side, the Sheriff’s Office will move forward with building a new Ramona station to replace the aging 1970s facility, strengthening public safety services in the area. Work will also continue planning, environmental review, and design for a new Vista Detention Facility to support long‑term operational needs, along with major maintenance and improvement projects across Sheriff’s facilities.
To explore the full County of San Diego budget, visit San Diego County Open Budget.
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Keeping Each Other Safe This
Holiday Weekend
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The San Diego County Sheriff's Office wants you to celebrate responsibly this Fourth of July holiday by saying no to impaired driving. Sheriff's Deputies will be conducting increased impaired driving patrols on Saturday, July 4 and throughout the holiday weekend. So far in 2026, 4,068 people have been arrested for driving under the influence in San Diego County. The Sheriff's Office has made 557 of those arrests.
Driving under the influence doesn't just mean alcohol. It also means driving under the influence of prescription drugs or marijuana. A reminder: Choose A Sober Way To Go. If you do drink, be sure to have a designated driver, ride-sharing service or taxi ready. An impaired driving arrest and conviction can cost more than $15,000 in legal and court fees. Remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.
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Funding for the Fourth of July impaired driving patrols is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
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The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office is proud to host a series of National Night Out events taking place across the county from July 30th through August 7th. National Night Out is a nationwide initiative that strengthens the bond between law enforcement, community partners, and the community itself.
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National Night Out offers a welcoming, relaxed environment for residents to connect with deputies and learn about public safety.
Community engagement remains one of the Sheriff's Office top priorities, and these events are one of the many ways we give back to the neighborhoods we serve.
Each event will include family‑friendly activities such as food, music, giveaways, car shows, kids’ activities, community resources, and more. Attendees will also have the chance to meet members of our specialized units, including Search and Rescue, Sheriff Volunteer Patrol, the K9 Unit, and others.
All events are free and open to the public. We look forward to seeing you there!
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The Sheriff’s Junior Women’s Academy (JWA) gives young women a firsthand look at careers in law enforcement and public safety. Held June 12–14, 2024, at Palomar College, the academy welcomed more than 50 teens for three days of interactive learning. Participants explored forensic fingerprinting, K‑9 demonstrations, career‑day sessions, and heard from specialized units like the Human Trafficking Team. Attendees enjoyed meeting new people, discovering the many branches of the Sheriff’s Office, and gaining hands‑on experience in areas they hope to pursue. The academy provided an inspiring introduction to law enforcement while building confidence, leadership, and new friendships.
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JOIN US AT THESE UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
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Non-Emergency Phone Number: (858) 868-3200
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%20(8).png "San Diego County Sheriff's Office Newsletter for may 2026 An image featuring a San Diego County Sheriff’s Office star-shaped badge on the left side. A thin, horizontal gold line extends across the center of the image. On the right side is a person wearing a tan sheriff’s uniform with visible patches, pins, and a tie. The background is plain white with a soft fade near the edges.")
)%20(1).jpg "Exterior view of the Vista Detention Facility, a large modern concrete building with multiple connected sections and security fencing. The entrance gate is centered in the foreground, surrounded by landscaped flower beds and greenery. Hills and open land are visible in the background under early evening light.")
.jpg "A group of people stand in a semi‑circle inside a room with blue flooring and light-colored walls. Several individuals wear uniforms, while others wear professional clothing. One person in the center is speaking to the group. Office equipment, cabinets, and a colorful poster are visible in the background.")
.jpg "A person wearing a hooded sweatshirt is crouched beside a parked car at dusk, holding a flashlight and a tool up to the vehicle’s door. The scene is dimly lit, with city lights visible in the background.")
.jpg "A group of uniformed Sheriff’s Department personnel and other attendees stand in a row holding award plaques in front of an ADL-branded backdrop decorated with balloon columns. The photo is taken outdoors in front of a modern building with large windows and stone pillars.")
