Dear Neighbor, 

Last Tuesday, San Diegans once again made their voices heard, exercising their right to vote and shaping the future of our city. I want to thank each of you who took the time to participate in the democratic process. Your engagement is the cornerstone of a strong and vibrant community. 

As we await the final outcome of local races, including Measure E, which would provide funding to support our infrastructure, public safety, and essential City services, I remain hopeful and committed to continuing our efforts to improve the quality of life for all San Diegans. If passed, this measure would generate approximately $400 million annually, helping address the $9.25 billion in infrastructure needs over the next five years.  

On a national level, I also want to acknowledge the results of the federal election and express my commitment to advocating for San Diego’s best interests. Our city has greatly benefited from the Biden-Harris administration’s policies, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other initiatives that have brought substantial federal investments to our region. While there is uncertainty about what the incoming administration may bring, rest assured that I will continue to fight for San Diego’s priorities—fixing the damn roads, building more housing, ensuring public safety, and finding ways to lower the cost of living—regardless of the political landscape. 

Thank you again for your civic participation. It is your voice and your vote that help guide our city forward. 

As always, it’s an honor to serve as your Mayor.  

The grand opening of the Pacific Highlands Ranch Library marks a beautiful new addition to our San Diego Public Library system. This milestone celebrates the first new library branch since 2007. 

Built on three acres with a $28 million investment, the 18,000-square-foot library offers much more than books. Visitors can explore dedicated children’s and teen areas, study and conference rooms, computer stations, a large community room that seamlessly extends outdoors, and a state-of-the-art IDEA Lab equipped with 3D printers, a laser cutter, sewing machines, and more. 

Designed with sustainability in mind, the library incorporates solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and improved thermal insulation, aiming for LEED Energy Silver certification in support of our Climate Action Plan goals. 

A standout feature of the library is its rear entryway courtyard adorned with the public art installation “Text/Tile,” created by San Diego artist Janelle Iglesias. This unique piece celebrates our region’s heritage with words in English, Spanish, and Kumeyaay, symbolizing the community’s rich cultural tapestry. 

This new library stands as a testament to what we can achieve through collaboration with our residents and partners. It will serve Pacific Highlands Ranch and surrounding neighborhoods, becoming a vital resource for learning, creativity, and community connection for generations of San Diegans.  

We are investing in our neighborhoods and fostering spaces like this new library that inspire and empower San Diegans of all ages. The Pacific Highlands Ranch Library embodies this vision—a place where knowledge, innovation, and community thrive. 

Investing in our City workforce is investing in the future of San Diego. Each year, the City, in collaboration with National University, offers one full tuition scholarship for an undergraduate degree to a City employee. In addition, two runners-up are selected to each win a $5,000 scholarship, courtesy of National University and California Coast Credit Union. 

This year's winners are Jeffrey Vance, an Associate Management Analyst with General Services; Jesus Dominguez, Building Maintenance Supervisor in General Services; and Shanda Watkins, a Library Assistant at the City. 

Sarema Valenzuela, Retirement Assistant at SDCERS and recipient of a past full tuition scholarship, said the program helped her reach lifelong goals. 

“Winning the scholarship will not only assist in my career growth within the City, it fulfills a longtime personal goal to pursue higher education,” Sarema said.  

This scholarship underscores my continued commitment to nurturing a City workforce that is motivated, knowledgeable, and prepared to deliver the high-quality services our residents deserve. 

Supporting our City staff means providing them with the resources they need to thrive both personally and professionally. A workforce that feels valued and empowered translates directly into better service for all San Diegans. Happy, well-equipped employees lead to stronger work outcomes and a more efficient, responsive local government. 

As we close out an incredible year as the World Design Capital for 2024, I want to express how proud I am of San Diego’s leadership in design, innovation, and cross-border collaboration. This year, we’ve shown the world what it means to harness creativity and partnership to enhance urban living, making history as the first-ever binational World Design Capital alongside our neighbors in Tijuana. 

One of the highlights that will mark the culmination of our year as a World Design Capital is the World Design Policy Conference: Beyond Boundaries conference happening today and tomorrow (Nov. 12-Nov. 13). This two-day event will gather global leaders, innovators, and changemakers right here in the San Diego-Tijuana region to explore the future of urban living through design-led policies. Through engaging panels, hands-on workshops, and inspiring keynote speakers, participants will have the unique opportunity to exchange ideas and strategies that can shape better, more sustainable urban communities. 

This conference, powered by UC San Diego Design Lab and supported by the City of San Diego, is a testament to our commitment to fostering innovation and cultural collaboration. It celebrates the power of design to transcend boundaries and influence policies that benefit us all. 

The community is also invited to gather for the WDC Convocation Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, to celebrate the region’s achievements as the first cross-border World Design Capital, and to mark the upcoming transfer of the WDC title from San Diego and Tijuana to Frankfurt RheinMain, Germany.  

As the City of San Diego enters the second phase of community listening sessions for enhanced trash collection services and potential new fees, San Diegans are once again invited to participate in the process. During Phase 2 of the Trash Study outreach for residential customers serviced by the City’s Environmental Services Department (ESD), the City will host meetings in each Council District, starting Nov. 12, to share what has been learned so far and to gather additional feedback.   

Phase 2 meetings will consist of a brief overview to include priorities expressed by residents and a comparison of trash and recycling services and charges in nearby cities. An open house will follow, during which participants can review the data, ask questions and provide feedback. Spanish speakers will be on site to provide translation at each meeting. Requests for other language translation services can be made in advance.   

A virtual meeting, in English and Spanish, will be offered on Dec. 6. In addition, community members are invited to take a second questionnaire that builds on an earlier version to help the City better understand their views about trash, recycling and organic waste collection services. Residents who prefer more formal presentations of study information can attend meetings of Community Planning Groups and Town Councils where the Trash Study is on the agenda. The City also continues to host tables at farmers markets and other community events. A complete schedule is available at cleangreensd.org.   

Phase 2 Open House Meeting Schedule:  

· Council District 6: Nov. 12, 5:30 to 7 p.m., University Community Library, 4155 Governor Drive, San Diego, CA 92122  

· Council District 2: Nov. 18, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Cathy Hopper Friendship Center at the North Clairemont Recreation Center, 4425 Bannock Ave., San Diego, CA 92117  

· Council District 7: Nov. 19, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Tierrasanta Recreation Center, 11220 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA 92117  

· Council District 3: Nov. 20, 4 to 5:30 p.m., San Diego Central Library @ Joan Λ Irwin Jacobs Common, 330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101  

· Council District 5: Nov. 25, 5:30 to 7 p.m., San Diego Oasis at Rancho Bernardo, 17170 Bernardo Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92128  

· Council District 8: Nov. 26, 5:30 to 7 p.m., San Ysidro Library, 4235 Beyer Blvd., San Diego, CA 92173  

· Council District 9: Dec. 2, 5:30 to 7 p.m., College-Rolando Library, 660 Montezuma Road, San Diego, CA 92113  

· Council District 4: Dec. 3, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Educational Cultural Complex Upstairs Lobby, 4343 Ocean View Blvd., San Diego, CA 92113  

· Citywide: Dec. 6, 10 to 11 a.m., online via zoom. Visit cleangreensd.org to register.  

· Council District 1: Dec. 10, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Pacific Beach/Taylor Library, 4275 Cass St., San Diego, CA 92109 

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department is gearing up for the summer of 2025 by recruiting seasonal lifeguards. Swim tryouts are scheduled for 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.