Dear Neighbor, 

 

San Diego came together in full force for the inaugural home opener of San Diego FC at Snapdragon Stadium! The energy in the stadium, the passion of our fans, and the significance of this moment for our city were undeniable. 

 

With San Diego FC joining Wave FC, our city now boasts two great major league soccer teams – making us the serious soccer town we were destined to be.  

 

It was an honor to join key leaders from the team and Major League Soccer to recognize the vision and commitment of Sir Mohamed Mansour and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, who made this team a reality. 

 

San Diego has always been a great sports city, and our newest team has an exciting season ahead. I look forward to cheering them on as they continue to make San Diego proud. 

 

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

 

New Law Strengthens Efforts to Preserve Affordable Housing

I signed into law a new ordinance that ensures affordable housing units with deed restrictions remain accessible to low-income residents, preventing displacement and keeping more San Diegans stably housed. 

 

This affordable housing preservation law creates a process for the City, the San Diego Housing Commission and local nonprofit partners to be notified sooner when an affordable housing property is put up for sale—giving us a greater opportunity to acquire and preserve these homes. With interest rates and the economy threatening new housing construction, we must protect the affordable homes we already have. 

 

I appreciate the leadership of Councilmember Vivian Moreno and the support of City Council President Joe LaCava and Councilmembers Sean Elo-Rivera and Kent Lee in championing this ordinance.

 

Progress Report: Homekey Investments Expand Housing for San Diegans in Need

San Diego is leading the way in leveraging state resources to build more housing and get people off the streets. Through the State of California’s Homekey program, the city has secured state funding to transform under-used properties into 600 affordable homes with ongoing supportive services for people experiencing homelessness. 

 

Our latest Homekey project, Presidio Palms, is converting a former extended-stay hotel in Mission Valley into 161 new homes, helping more homeless San Diegans secure stable housing. 

 

This program is a collaborative partnership between our San Diego Housing Commission, plus state and county partners. We now have six Homekey projects across the city that are moving people off the streets and into homes more quickly.  

 

San Diego’s City Employees Earn National Recognition for Innovation and Sustainability

Our City employees are being recognized nationally for their dedication to making our city work smarter and more sustainably. 

 

The City of San Diego has earned two major awards—What Works Cities Silver Certification from Bloomberg Philanthropies for excellence in data-driven government, and LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for leadership in sustainability! 

 

Through the Performance and Analytics Department’s Open Data Portal and the Get It Done app, City employees are using data to improve public services, making San Diego more efficient and responsive to residents' needs. Their work has once again earned the City of San Diego the What Works Cities certification, recognizing San Diego’s commitment to innovation. What Works Cities Certification evaluates how effectively local governments use data to inform decision-making, improve services, and enhance transparency. 

 

Meanwhile, our sustainability and mobility team’s efforts to reduce emissions, transition to clean energy, and build climate resilience have made San Diego one of just eight cities in the country to earn LEED Gold status this year. Our City’s leadership is setting the standard for sustainability and improving quality of life for all San Diegans. 

 

These awards reflect the incredible work happening every day across City departments to serve you. 

 
 

GETTING IT DONE - FIXING OUR STREETS

 

Hilltop Drive in Emerald Hills Gets a Fresh, Long-Lasting Road Surface 

Construction crews have completed much-needed repairs on Hilltop Drive in Emerald Hills, replacing a damaged section of the road with fresh asphalt. This upgrade improves safety and ride quality for drivers and cyclists while ensuring a smoother, more durable surface for years to come. Investing in road repairs like this is part of our commitment to maintaining and improving streets across San Diego. 

 

MAYOR GLORIA AROUND TOWN

 

Marking 154 Years of Business Leadership with the Chamber

The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce has championed our business community for 154 years, driving economic growth and opportunity. I joined business leaders at their annual anniversary dinner to celebrate this milestone and recognize the Chamber’s continued impact in making San Diego a top place to live, work, and do business. 

 

Advancing Affordable Housing with National Lenders

Ensuring all San Diegans have access to housing requires strong partnerships. I met with the National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders to share our pro-housing policy successes and discuss how we can keep working together to expand financing options and build more homes at prices people can afford. 

 

Honoring Cardinal McElroy’s Leadership and Service

San Diegans honored Cardinal Robert McElroy for his decades of service to San Diego. His compassion and dedication have left a lasting impact on our community—from addressing homelessness with Catholic Charities to uplifting those in need. Now, as he prepares to serve as the Archbishop of Washington, D.C., we gathered to recognize his extraordinary service. 

 

Recognizing Local Leaders at the Bayard Rustin Awards

The Annual Bayard Rustin Awards celebrate trailblazers who champion equity, inclusion, and social justice. Named in honor of the civil rights icon, these awards recognize local leaders who continue his legacy of fighting for LGBTQ+ rights and racial justice. I had the privilege of joining community advocates and honorees whose work is shaping a more inclusive San Diego.

 

COMMUNITY UPDATES

 

Toll Road Text Scams on the Rise—How to Protect Yourself 

Scammers are sending fake text messages claiming drivers owe unpaid tolls and directing them to fraudulent payment links. These messages often impersonate toll services like FastTrak or EZ Pass and may include urgent warnings about fines or legal action. 

 

To stay safe, do not click links or provide any personal information. Verify any toll payments by visiting the official website of your toll provider. Report suspicious messages to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Stay alert and protect your information.  

 

Learn More About Proposed Trash and Recycling Fees 

The City of San Diego is hosting a third round of community open houses to provide information on proposed trash and recycling fees following voter approval of Measure B. Residents can learn about service options, cost breakdowns, and financial assistance programs ahead of a final City Council vote in June. 

Upcoming Open House Events: 

  • March 3: Rancho Peñasquitos Library, 5:30–7 p.m. 

  • March 10: Pacific Highlands Ranch Library, 5:30–7 p.m. 

  • March 17: City Heights/Weingart Library, 5:30–7 p.m. 

  • March 24: Balboa Park, Casa del Prado Room 101, 5:30–7 p.m. 

  • March 25: Linda Vista Library, 5:30–7 p.m. 

  • April 1: Skyline Hills Library, 5:30–7 p.m. 

  • April 4: Virtual Meeting, 9–11 a.m. 

  • April 7: San Diego College of Continuing Education, 5:30–7 p.m. 

  • April 8: North University Community Library, 5:30–7 p.m. 

More details at cleangreensd.org. 

 

Revitalizing Mission Trails Golf Course 

Trails Golf Course, a longtime community asset near Lake Murray. The selected lessee will oversee upgrades to the 18-hole course, driving range, and clubhouse while ensuring environmental stewardship. Site visits are scheduled for March 6 and 11, with proposals due by April 11. 

 

 

Beware of Parking Ticket Scams—Report Suspicious Messages 

Scammers are impersonating the City of San Diego by sending fake text messages demanding payment for parking citations. These messages contain fraudulent links designed to steal personal and financial information. The City never issues parking citations via text. If you receive one of these messages, do not click any links—report it immediately. 

 

Verify tickets at sandiego.gov/parking/citations or call 866-470-1308. Stay alert and protect yourself from scams. 

 

New ‘Daylighting’ Law Now Enforced to Improve Street Safety 

Starting March 1, drivers parked within 20 feet of any crosswalk—marked or unmarked—may receive a citation under California’s Daylighting Law. This law, aimed at improving visibility and reducing pedestrian crashes, carries a fine of $77.50 per violation. San Diego has already implemented red curbs at over 200 intersections to help drivers adjust. Protect pedestrians and avoid fines by keeping intersections clear. 

More details at sandiego.gov/daylighting. 

 

Young Detectives Wanted: Solve Mysteries with Spring into STEAM 

San Diego Public Library’s Spring into STEAM program is back, inviting young minds to become detectives and explore forensic science through interactive workshops. Kids ages 6-12 can investigate crime scene evidence, decode puzzles, and solve DNA mysteries in hands-on sessions led by local science experts. Workshops run after school and on weekends from March 4 through May 31, with free registration required. Participants will receive spy tools to aid in their detective work! 

 

Showcase Your Art in Downtown San Diego 

San Diego artists have a new opportunity to display their work in the heart of the city! In partnership with Downtown San Diego Partnership and IKE Smart City, we’re inviting local artists, cultural institutions, and community organizations to feature their artwork on Downtown’s digital interactive kiosks. This initiative brings public art to high-traffic areas, giving residents and visitors a chance to experience San Diego’s creative spirit. 

 

Easier Passport Access for San Diegans  

The City of San Diego is making it easier for residents to apply for or renew their passports with a series of pop-up events hosted by the Office of the City Clerk. Held at local libraries , these events offer in-person passport services, including application submissions and photo services. 

 

Upcoming Events: 


March 7 – Linda Vista Library (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.) – 2160 Ulric St. 
March 14 – San Ysidro Library (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.) – 4235 Beyer Blvd. 
April 4 – Mission Hills-Hillcrest/Knox Library (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.) – 215 W. Washington St. 

 

Appointments are available online, with limited walk-in slots. Learn more about required documents here. 

 

Helping Building Owners Meet Energy Benchmarking Requirements 

The City of San Diego is offering a series of free webinars through April 23, plus in-person office hours to help building owners and facility managers comply with the City’s Building Energy Benchmarking Ordinance. The webinars will cover the basics of energy benchmarking, compliance steps, and reporting systems like ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and BEAM. In-person office hours at the San Diego Central Library will provide hands-on support. Register here.  

 

Know Your Flood Risk and Stay Prepared 

Thousands of homes in San Diego are built in floodplains, making it essential to understand your risk. Flooding can happen year-round, so take steps to stay informed and prepared. Check if your home is in a floodplain by visiting FEMA’s map service and view local flood-prone areas on the City’s stormwater maps. 

 

Help Shape San Diego’s Parks, Libraries, and Beaches 

The City is launching Child and Teen-Friendly City, a new initiative to improve public spaces to better serve kids, teens, and caregivers. As part of this effort, we’re creating the City’s first-ever Child and Teen-Friendly Public Spaces Design Manual to make parks, libraries, and beaches more engaging and accessible. 

 

We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts on what works, what doesn’t, and how we can improve. Take the quick survey before March 7: Submit Your Input. 

 

Extend the Life of Your Belongings at a Fixit Clinic 

Don’t toss your broken items—repair them instead! Fixit Clinics, hosted by the City’s Environmental Services Department and Zero Waste San Diego, offer free workshops where skilled volunteers help fix household items like lamps, bikes, and clothing. 

Upcoming dates include: 

  • March 15: Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library 

  • May 17: Pacific Highlands Ranch Library 

  • June 21: Golden Hill Recreation Center 

Learn more on Inside San Diego 

 

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San Diego, CA 92101
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