Dear Neighbor,

This past week, I visited our State Capitol along with my fellow California Big City Mayors to advocate for permanent funding to address homelessness through the State’s Homelessness Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP). This is a grant program designed to provide local jurisdictions with funding to expand or develop local programs and services to address homelessness.

The funding from this program has empowered cities across California to serve nearly 150,000 unhoused people and create more than 15,000 shelter beds. Past Big City Mayor advocacy efforts have helped secure vital funding for homelessness programs up and down the state.

However, we have to do more. The Big City Mayors’ visit — which included the Mayors of Los Angeles, Sacramento, Fresno, Stockton, and Irvine — underscores the vital need for ongoing state support to sustain and enhance the services that bring hope and help to our most vulnerable populations.

We also shared the importance of continuing investments that help cities tackle housing affordability as well as create youth employment opportunities.

Your support and feedback inspire our relentless advocacy for policies that make a tangible difference in the lives of Californians. Together, we are striving to build a more compassionate and inclusive state.

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

The Next Step in Appointing our Next Chief of Police

The City Council today will interview Assistant Chief Scott Wahl for the position of Chief of Police and hear feedback from the public.

I announced my appointment of Assistant Chief Scott Wahl last month. He was selected through a rigorous recruitment process, including community forums across all nine City Council Districts and an extensive online survey that captured the voices of nearly 1,000 San Diegans who shared what they wanted to see in our next Chief of Police.

We then conducted a national search that attracted 56 candidates with finalists undergoing a thorough interview by community members.

After these panels, I interviewed the finalists and Assistant Chief Wahl emerged as the clear leader who will keep you safe and uphold the core values of integrity and professionalism that I expect, while fostering inclusivity and building trust across all communities.

A San Diego native and a 26-year veteran of the department, he has demonstrated exceptional integrity and a profound understanding of our community's needs.

After today’s City Council convening, the next step will be for the City Council to docket my appointment of Chief of Police for a vote.

Strengthening San Diego: Mayor Leads New Legislation to Enhance Flood Preparedness

In response to the severe rain and flooding experience by our city in January, we are taking decisive action to enhance our flood preparedness.

January's atmospheric rivers brought unprecedented rainfall to San Diego, causing significant flash flooding that impacted over 800 households. This was one of the rainiest days in our recorded history and underscored the urgent need for improved infrastructure resilience.

Recognizing the lessons from these events, we have joined forces with State Assemblymember David Alvarez to introduce legislation aimed at cutting red tape and clamp down on regulatory barriers that will bolster our city’s ability to address storm channels faster.

This partnership has led to the creation of two pivotal bills: Assembly Bill 2501 and Assembly Bill 3227.

AB 2501, also known as the 'Cutting the Green Tape' bill, will facilitate quicker and more efficient stormwater channel clearance and will significantly reduce bureaucratic hurdles, enabling us to respond more rapidly to infrastructure needs.

AB 3227, the 'Streamlining Storm Water Channel Maintenance Act,' aims to expedite routine maintenance of our stormwater channels and helps ensure that these channels are maintained to withstand a 100-year storm event like the one we experienced on Jan. 22.

Both bills have successfully advanced through initial committees in the State Assembly and are moving forward in the legislative process.

I appreciate the support and leadership of Assemblymember Alvarez, who’s been instrumental in driving these initiatives at the state level to ensure that San Diego can effectively tackle the challenges posed by climate change.

Together, these legislative efforts will enable us to cut through red tape and protect our communities from the devastating effects of extreme weather.

Exciting New Chapter: Groundbreaking of Freedom Park at Navy Pier

San Diego's Downtown waterfront is undergoing an exciting transformation!

I joined the USS Midway Museum, the Port of San Diego, and longtime supporters like Rep. Scott Peters to break ground on Freedom Park at Navy Pier, which will be the largest veterans park on the West Coast when complete.

This collaborative project will help transform our Embarcadero and enhance our waterfront by turning a parking lot into a new public park honoring our veterans.

Freedom Park will be a nearly 10-acre park that will extend from the west end of Navy Pier, around the Midway, to the Bob Hope Memorial. It will include a nature garden, various memorials and monuments, plus plenty of seating and shade for relaxing or community gatherings.

The park will serve as a living tribute to the valor and sacrifices of our military veterans, integrating San Diego's rich military heritage into the thoughtful design.

With $29 million already secured from multiple sources, including crucial funding from the Port and the USS Midway, the project is well on its way to realizing the $65 million vision.

The USS Midway Foundation's capital campaign committee is actively working to raise the remaining funds.

I am deeply grateful to everyone involved in making this visionary project a reality. Freedom Park is not only a wonderful tribute to our veterans, but also a testament to San Diego's commitment to creating meaningful spaces for all its residents.

I like a good groundbreaking, but I love a ribbon cutting even more — I can’t wait until the completion of Freedom Park in early 2028!

An Update on Homelessness and Housing

In case you missed my Update on Homelessness newsletter last week, here's the latest housing and homelessness news:

• A new shelter for LGBTQ+ youth will open Downtown

• New affordable housing and community space breaks ground in City Heights

• The City is thankful for our volunteers at our Safe Parking program — and more!

You can read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to the newsletter here.

GETTING IT DONE: FIXING OUR STREETS

Introducing New Road Resurfacing Techniques to Prolong Road Life

In order to provide more options to quickly and cost-effectively repair damaged roads, the City's Transportation Department has implemented two new street resurfacing methods.

The new slurry-like sealing methods, called cape seal and scrub seal, help extend the life of roads by filling cracks, protecting against moisture seeping in and minimizing the development of potholes and other surface deformities.

Crews recently finished work on Atlanta Drive in the Talmadge area (pictured) and work is also currently underway in Kensington, Grantville, San Carlos, North Park, Bay Park and several other communities!

MAYOR GLORIA AROUND TOWN

Empowering Future Female Leaders

I had the pleasure of attending the 14th Annual F.A.N.C.Y. Teen Girls Expo at KIPP Adelante Academy in City Heights. It was inspiring to see so many young women of color being empowered with the tools and confidence they need to pursue diverse career paths and leadership roles. I, of course, was there to encourage them to pursue careers in public service!

Celebrating Diversity at the Linda Vista Multicultural Fair

I had a great time taking part in the 39th annual Linda Vista Multi-Cultural Fair and Parade. Linda Vista isn't just a neighborhood — it's a tapestry woven with diverse cultures, rich history, and boundless opportunities.

Dining Out for Life to Support HIV/AIDS Service Programs

I Dined Out for Life — twice! First, I had lunch with San Diego Pride Co-Interim Executive Director Sarafina Scapicchio at Barrio Star in Hillcrest, then I met up with my staff at Uptown Tavern in Hillcrest. Dozens of participating San Diego restaurants, bars, coffeehouses, and nightclubs generously donated a portion of their sales to HIV/AIDS services and prevention programs. It's always heartening to see our community unite for an important cause.

A decade of Innovation at e3 Civic High

Happy 10th anniversary to e3 Civic High! This public charter school, nestled inside our iconic downtown Central Library, has spent a decade providing innovative education to high school students from Downtown and surrounding areas. The educators and staff behind this school are dedicated to their mission to engage, educate and empower the next generation of San Diegans.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

A First Look at Giant Pandas to Be Cared for by San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has announced that their conservation and care team leaders recently visited China and met the two giant pandas to be cared for by the San Diego Zoo: Yun Chuan (pronounced yoon chu-an) and Xin Bao (pronounced sing bao).

See photos of the pandas here.

Public Utilities Continues to Improve Services for Customers

The City of San Diego’s Public Utilities Department continues improving its customers' services through new and enhanced technology, hiring more staff and additional online service options.

Over the past five years, Public Utilities has implemented changes to address longstanding systemic problems to improve billing processes and the quality of service for the 283,000 household and business accounts.

This year, Public Utilities has made significant progress in improving online access to water and wastewater services — making it easy for customers to access self-service options — by modernizing our phone system, recruiting additional customer support staff and providing enhanced staff training.

Read about all of the improvements at on Inside San Diego.

San Diego Marks One Year Since Implementation of Single Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance

One year into the City’s Single Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance (SUPRO), more and more businesses are saying goodbye to polystyrene foam, also known as Styrofoam, and hello to more sustainable products that make San Diego a cleaner, greener community.

In line with the City’s Zero Waste Plan and Climate Action Plan goals, SUPRO went into effect April 1, 2023, as a way to reduce the number of harmful polystyrene and single-use plastics entering the environment

The ordinance prohibits most polystyrene foam products from being sold or distributed in the City of San Diego.

Community Feedback on the Sports Arena Redevelopment Process

Join the Midway Rising team at Mission Bay High School for an informational workshop on May 7 at 6 p.m. to learn more about the Sports Arena redevelopment process.

To RSVP, please click here.

Coastal Resilience Master Plan

The City received grant funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the California State Coastal Conservancy to develop a Coastal Resilience Master Plan.

The Coastal Resilience Master Plan is an implementation action of Climate Resilient SD. The plan will identify nature-based solutions for locations along San Diego's coast to improve the resilience of our communities to sea level rise while also benefiting wildlife, habitat and natural coastal resources.

The plan will include the development of concept-level designs for six locations along San Diego's coast, a pilot project technical studies and completion of a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) environmental analysis.

Throughout plan development, the City will engage with stakeholders and community members through a stakeholder advisory committee, pop-up engagement events, and community workshops and webinars.

Pop-Up Events

May 11, 2024

La Jolla Shores Park: 9 am – 12 pm

May 25, 2024

Belmont Park at Mission Beach: 9 am – 12 pm

Get more information here.

Annual High School Registration Challenge

The City launched the Shirley N. Weber Voter Registration Challenge for high schoolers!

This month-long challenge aims to encourage students to register to vote and eligible students ages 16 and 17 to pre-register.

Get the details on Inside San Diego.

Homeowners Can Now Apply for City of San Diego’s Low or No-Cost Lead Paint Hazard Abatement Services

The City has launched the San Diego Residential Lead Abatement Program (SDRLAP), funded by a multi-million-dollar settlement with three paint companies after prolonged litigation.

The program aims to eliminate toxic lead hazards from homes within the city, particularly benefiting low- to moderate-income neighborhoods. This initiative is a direct response to the dangers posed by lead exposure, which significantly affects children's health and development.

Homeowners can apply to have their properties inspected for led paint and, if needed, abated at minimal to no cost. The process may include temporary relocation, provided confidentially. Renters are advised to engage landlords about participating.

Further information and applications are available at sdhealthyhomes.org.

Environmental Services Department Events

The Environmental Services Department (ESD) is excited to announce a series of recycling events and programs dedicated to support our community’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Whether you are a seasoned recycler or just starting out, there’s something for everyone! Check out our upcoming events and join us in making a positive impact

Upcoming Recycling Events and Programs:

1. Organic Waste Recycling Webinar

Date/Time/Location: May 7, 2024, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Zoom

Description: Join this free webinar to learn more about the City of San Diego’s curbside Organic Waste Recycling Program, what it means for City of San Diego residents, and how to participate at home. During this one-hour webinar, you will learn how to reduce food waste in the kitchen through meal planning and food storage, how to properly dispose of food waste through the curbside Organic Waste Recycling Program, what types of waste can be put in the green bin, and why it’s so important to divert organic waste from the landfill.

2. Vermicomposting Basics Webinar

Date/Time/Location: May 8th, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Zoom

Description: Composting with worms has benefits for everyone, whether you want to divert kitchen scraps from the landfill, compost in small spaces, or create a natural fertilizer for your plants. This free webinar will teach you how to start and maintain a happy home for red wiggler composting worms.

3. Miramar Landfill Bus Tours

Date/Time/Location: May 11, 2024, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Miramar Landfill (5180 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111)

Description: Join a free two-hour bus tour that will give you a behind-the-scenes look at what happens when you dispose of waste and clear up the mystery of “throwing something away.” Each tour is available to City of San Diego residents ONLY. ESD’s partner, I Love A Clean San Diego, will explain the City of San Diego’s goal to reach zero waste by 2040 and how your daily actions impact the Miramar Landfill. You will not only learn about the importance of zero waste, but also be given the tools to get there. Other tour highlights include the Allan Company Recycling Facility, the Miramar Greenery and the Household Hazardous Waste Transfer Facility. Additional dates available in the registration link.

The Environmental Services Department is looking forward to having you! If you have any questions about any events, please reach out to SDRecyclingWorks@sandiego.gov.

Mountain View and Spring Valley Disaster Recovery Centers to Become SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers

The State/Federal Disaster Recovery Centers in Mountain View and Spring Valley will convert to U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Outreach Centers starting Monday, April 22, 2024.

The transition of the Mountain View and Spring Valley Disaster Recovery Centers to SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers will better meet the current needs of San Diego County residents impacted by the January storms and flooding.

SBA representatives will continue to answer questions, explain the application process, help businesses apply for a low-interest disaster loan and close their approved disaster loans.

The Disaster Loan Outreach Centers will be open on the days and times indicated below. No appointment is necessary:

SAN DIEGO COUNTY Disaster Loan Outreach Center

Mountain View Community Center Meeting Room

641 S. Boundary St. San Diego, CA 92113

Opens at 9 a.m. Monday, April 22

Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Tuesdays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY Disaster Loan Outreach Center

Spring Valley Library

836 Kempton St. Spring Valley, CA 91977

Opens at 10 a.m. Monday, April 22

Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Tuesdays, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Fridays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Although the deadline to apply for a loan for property damage has passed, small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size still have until Nov. 19, 2024, to apply for an economic injury disaster loan to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster

Economic injury loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage. Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, and 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years.

Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.

Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

Again, the deadline to apply for economic injury is Nov. 19, 2024.

Read past newsletters

Office of the Mayor

202 C St., 11th Floor

San Diego, CA 92101

619-236-6330

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