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Dear Neighbor,
It’s been about one month since President Biden declared that a major disaster hit San Diego, thereby ordering Federal assistance to supplement our local recovery efforts for individuals affected by a severe storm and flooding in January.
In that short time, I’m thrilled to report that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has already helped 1,219 San Diegans recovering from the January flooding with more than $12 million in much-needed direct cash assistance to get them back on their feet.
If you or anyone you know was impacted by the storm, please consider applying for help from FEMA today. It's quick and easy and you can do it online at DisasterAssistance.Gov, over the phone by calling 800-621-3362, through the FEMA smart-phone app or even in-person at the Disaster Recovery Center located inside the Mountain View Community Center at 641 S. Boundary Street. The deadline to apply is April 19.
As we continue to empower individuals to rebuild and thrive in the aftermath of this severe storm, the support from FEMA has been instrumental. Together, let's ensure that every affected San Diegan gets the assistance they need.
As always, it’s an honor to serve as your Mayor.
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Delivering Quality Parks for Every San Diegan
My Parks for All of Us initiative is a long-awaited update to our Parks Master Plan that has transformed the way we fund new parks and park improvements to ensure that every San Diegan has access to high-quality parks.
My initiative updated the City’s parks plan for the first time in 65 years, making several changes including a big change in how we can use what’s called Developer Impact Fees (DIF), ultimately making the funding system more flexible and equitable so that we’re building and improving parks in the neighborhoods that need them the most.
Previously, DIF funds could only be spent in the communities where the fees were collected, which often meant newer neighborhoods were the only ones seeing new parks. But under our new Citywide DIF program, the funds can be used wherever they are needed.
Now, we’re seeing the impact of that important update.
City Council just approved approximately $15.9 million in capital improvement funding to go toward 19 park projects in neighborhoods across the city as part of my Parks for All of Us initiative.
The new funding allocations support land acquisition, making improvements to existing parks and building new parks.
These new funding allocations show how the $15.8 million in Citywide Park DIF funds and an additional $363,000 in community-based Developer Impact Fee (DIF) funds will be used for 19 projects across the city, many of them located in park-deficient communities and in communities of concern.
Projects include:
• Beyer Community Park in San Ysidro
• Chollas Creek Oak Park Branch Trail in Mid-City
• Clay Neighborhood Park improvements in Mid-City/Eastern Area
• Golf Course Drive improvements in Balboa Park/Golden Hill
• Hard court improvements across four communities in Council Districts 4 and 8 such as Emerald Hills, Encanto, Southcrest, Skyline and Otay Mesa
• John Baca Park in Linda Vista
• Land acquisition for parks across six communities in Council Districts 4, 7, 8 and 9
• Marcy Neighborhood Park improvements in University City
• Memorial Community Park field and security lighting in Southeastern
• North Chollas Community Park improvements in Mid-City
• Eastern Area Robb Field Park in Mission Bay/Ocean Beach
• Howard Lane Park in San Ysidro
Read more about Parks for All of Us and this recent funding round here.
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Mayor Gloria Named ‘Community Champion for Seniors’ by Meals on Wheels San Diego County
I am beyond honored to be named the 2024 “Community Champion for Seniors” by Meals on Wheels San Diego County.
The nonprofit awarded me with this recognition, in part, for providing the organization with vital resources during the COVID-19 pandemic that helped them to fulfill their mission of delivering meals to vulnerable residents without interruption.
As a longtime supporter of Meals on Wheels, I am proud to be named as a "Community Champion for Seniors" by an organization that, for more than 60 years, has been providing nutritious meals to vulnerable San Diegans.
As Mayor, I continue to prioritize policies and resources that enhance the quality of life of San Diego’s seniors.
Read more about the award on Inside San Diego.
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The People and Projects Behind a Better Downtown
Downtown San Diego took center stage as the Downtown San Diego Partnership celebrated the innovators shaping our urban core's future at the annual "Create the Future Awards."
It was a night to recognize the work of individuals and the transformative projects propelling our Downtown forward.
Among the distinguished honorees was Sarah Jarman, the City's Director of Homelessness Strategies and Solutions.
Sarah's unwavering commitment and innovative approaches in addressing homelessness have not only garnered local recognition, but are now celebrated on a broader stage by cities across the country that are looking to us as an example of how to tackle the complicated puzzle that is the homelessness crisis by taking it on from every possible angle.
The City’s recently reopened Children's Park was also among the recognized projects. This urban oasis has become a symbol of community and inclusivity, offering a space for Downtown residents (and their dogs!) to gather, play, and connect.
The park is a testament to our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all San Diegans.
And on the horizon, the future Gaslamp Promenade caught the spotlight. This upcoming project holds the promise of helping our Gaslamp neighborhood remain a vibrant hub for food, entertainment and fun for years to come. By carving out more space for pedestrians in our Downtown, this project is making room for residents and visitors alike to enjoy the small businesses that are the heart and soul of our urban core.
These accolades from the Downtown Partnership underscore the collective spirit that fuels our City's growth. Together, we're shaping a Downtown that not only meets the needs of today, but also lays the foundation for a thriving future.
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GETTING IT DONE: FIXING OUR STREETS | |
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Smoothing Rides in Rancho Bernardo and Carmel Valley
Road repair work continues in Rancho Bernardo and Carmel Valley! Segments of Carmel Mountain Road and Paseo Lucido are receiving slurry seal treatment to prevent the deterioration of streets and reduce the need for a more costly asphalt overlay.
Photo here
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Presenting the President’s Award from the California Library Association to Sen. Toni Atkins
I was honored to present Senator Toni Atkins with the President's Award from the California Library Association. This is a well-deserved recognition of Senator Atkins' statewide leadership generally, but it’s specifically a nod to her longtime passion for promoting literacy and supporting libraries. She and I both agree that libraries are vital community assets.
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Samsung Expands its Footprint in San Diego
A couple months ago, I led a trade mission to South Korea where we visited Samsung and other global tech companies to strengthen ties and encourage investment in bringing good jobs to San Diego. I was pleased to have the opportunity recently to help open Samsung's expanded footprint for semiconductors in our city. Every investment in San Diego goes a long way, and I appreciate all the companies who call us home.
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Celebrating ‘Women in Construction’ Week
I celebrated "Women in Construction Week" by meeting up with the City's Women in Field Construction group at Riviera del Sol Neighborhood Park in Otay Mesa. This wonderful soon-to-open park is one of the many City projects these women are working on as they help build a San Diego for all of us. We have 238 amazing women working in our Engineering & Capital Projects Department at the City, and I appreciate these women and everyone who has chosen to bring their talents here to help serve San Diegans.
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Meeting With Local Leaders Working to Improve Our Region
It was great to talk with the local leaders enrolled in LEAD San Diego's "Influence San Diego" program. From homelessness and housing to public safety and infrastructure, I appreciate this program, and others like it, that work to provide a much deeper understanding of our city and region and help our leaders make decisions that help create a city that works for all of us.
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City Invites Public Input on Draft Mobility Master Plan
A series of public meetings will be held at libraries throughout the City of San Diego this month to provide more information and solicit feedback from San Diegans on the draft Mobility Master Plan.
The Mobility Master Plan is a comprehensive transportation planning effort that aims to create a balanced, equitable and sustainable mobility system for the benefit of all San Diego residents and visitors. It will help support investments in areas with the greatest needs, promote pedestrian safety and advance the goals of the Climate Action Plan and the General Plan.
The City’s Sustainability and Mobility Department will hold a series of “open house” style events at local libraries to answer questions and gather feedback on the plan, which includes a list of mobility projects in high-need areas across the City and new program options such as neighborhood shuttles, micromobility services and transit fare subsidies.
The draft Mobility Master Plan includes programs and a prioritized list of projects with information about the project selection criteria, focus areas, implementation, monitoring and funding. Public input will be used to improve the plan, which will be presented to the City Council for adoption later this year.
Public involvement is key to keeping San Diego at the forefront of green, sustainable, safe and equitable mobility practices now and in the future. Because every mile and every trip counts, more sustainable mobility options can get San Diegans where they want to go.
Everyone is welcome to stop by any time during the events, and Spanish language translation will be available. There will also be one virtual meeting in April for those who were unable to attend any of the in-person events in March.
The events will be held on the following dates at these locations:
Monday, March 11, 2024
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Monday, March 18, 2024
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Thursday, March 21, 2024
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Thursday, April 4, 2024
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6 - 7 p.m., virtual open house on Zoom.
For more information, including project updates, presentations and access to the Plan and the comment portal, visit the Mobility Master Plan webpage. Questions can be directed to sustainability@sandiego.gov.
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The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego Secures Location in Downtown San Diego
The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego (NSMSD) has signed a lease at 1001 Kettner Boulevard in Downtown San Diego to build a museum to honor the history and heritage of the U.S. Navy SEALs.
This location was formerly used by the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.
Scheduled to open in late 2024, the 10,000-square-foot NSMSD will be within walking distance of the San Diego bayfront and serve as the preview of a larger, world-class museum to be built in the coming years. This showcase museum will engage visitors of all ages through immersive storytelling and galleries, activated artifacts, engaging digital media and interactive exhibits.
Get more info here.
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Join a Midway Rising Informational Workshop on March 18
The Midway Rising team is excited to reimagine the iconic San Diego Sports Arena venue in the Midway District to create a Midway for all.
The team will unite with the Midway community and San Diegans to help bring thousands of new affordable homes and a dynamic, mixed-use entertainment center to the San Diego region.
You are invited to join to learn more about their vision, latest milestones and the journey ahead at an upcoming informational workshop at 6 p.m. Monday, March 18, at the Catamaran Resort Hotel, 3999 Mission Blvd.
Complimentary parking is available onsite (limited to first 100 attendees on a first come, first serve basis).
RSPV here.
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Budget Crash Course
Join the City of San Diego’s Office of the Independent Budget Analyst to learn more about:
- How the City’s budget process works
- Key components of the operating and capital
- improvement budgets
- City Council budget priorities
- Budget equity considerations
- How San Diego residents can be involved
Register here for a virtual workshop happening at 5 p.m. March 21. For any questions, call 619-236-6555 or email sdiba@sandiego.gov.
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City Aquatics Division Hiring Seasonal Pool Guards
Summer will arrive in San Diego before we know it and the City of San Diego’s 15 swimming pool facilities will need to be staffed up for the influx of seasonal visitors. The City’s Parks and Recreation Department is currently hiring seasonal and year-round benefited pool guards and is conducting a series of hiring events to assist interested candidates through the application process.
To encourage more applicants for Pool Guard positions, candidates who meet the age requirements for the Pool Guard I position can be certified after applying. Successful candidates will be offered training and required certifications once hired. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.
The City also offers preparation opportunities for individuals who want to learn to swim and prepare for a job in aquatics. Anyone 16 years old and older interested in becoming a Pool Guard but still needs to meet the required skills is invited to practice and prepare at any City pool during recreational swim hours at no cost. Visit the City’s Pool Guard Prep webpage for locations and hours
The City of San Diego offers the potential for career growth and advancement, with opportunities to promote to positions throughout Parks and Recreation and other various departments.
Aquatic Pool Guard and Swimming Pool Manager positions are open on a continuous application period.
Additional hiring fairs will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 23, and Saturday, April 27. Those interested in an aquatics position must apply online in advance to receive an invitation.
More information about a career in aquatics with the City of San Diego can be found here.
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Draft Environmental Justice Element Ready for Public Review
Environmental Justice will be a new element added to the General Plan to further the City’s efforts to advance the equitable distribution of benefits and limit environmental burdens to create healthy and livable communities for all San Diegans.
This draft includes goals that envision a more equitable future, policies that inform City decision-making, proposed activities that build on existing programs to advance environmental justice, and a description of areas of the City most impacted by environmental burdens and associated health risks – collectively known as Environmental Justice Communities.
We invite you to review the DRAFT Environmental Justice Element and to share your comments and suggestions for consideration by completing the online comment form or emailing the project team at publicspaces@sandiego.gov. Thank you in advance for sharing your input – your feedback is important to us!
Review the draft Environmental Justice Element here.
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An Update on the City’s Single Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance
The City of San Diego Single Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance automatic exemption for small businesses ends on March 31, 2024.
This means that all businesses in San Diego will be prohibited from distributing most polystyrene foam products, and can only distribute plastic and bio-plastic utensils and straws upon the request of customers.
The City will host an educational webinar on the ordinance on March 13, 2024 from 2 to 3 pm. Please also check our web page for general ordinance information, a list of alternatives to polystyrene, information on applying for waivers, and downloadable posters and table tents to help inform customers about the new law.
Questions? Please email us at sdrecyclingworks@sandiego.gov
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Millions of Californians to Get Average of $146 in Credits on their April Utility Bills Thanks to State’s Climate Program
California will provide a total of $2.7 billion in utility bill credits thanks to the State’s Cap-and-Trade Program that funds critical climate action.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced millions of Californians will receive an average of $146 in credits on their April gas and electric bills.
The California Climate Credit – automatically applied to Californians’ bills every April and October – is a direct result of the state’s nation-leading Cap-and-Trade climate program that requires polluters to pay for climate action.
Since 2014, California households have already received an average of $971 in combined automatic April and October climate credits on their utility bills, totaling more than $14 billion statewide.
Get details here.
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Ocean Beach Pier Renewal Community Workshop
Preferred design concept for a potential Ocean Beach Pier replacement will be unveiled During this workshop, the City of San Diego and its consultants will present the preferred design concept for a potential Ocean Beach Pier replacement. The preferred design concept was created based on public input of the three preliminary design concepts that were presented in September 2023. Saturday, April 6th, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The presentation will begin at 2:15pm, followed by interactive workshops.
It’s happening at the Liberty Station Conference Center, 2600 Laning Road, in Point Loma.
To learn more, or provide public comment, visit www.OBPierRenewal.com.
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Office of the Mayor
202 C St., 11th Floor
San Diego, CA 92101
619-236-6330
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