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Dear Neighbor,
At Peter Seidler’s celebration of life over the weekend, I was reminded of a belief the former Padres chairman embodied – that everyone can play a role in making San Diego a better place.
Peter stepped up to help combat one of our city’s most pressing challenges – homelessness. He contributed funding, ideas and his time to helping get people off our streets and into shelter and housing.
What so many of us who had the opportunity to know and work with Peter found inspiring was how genuinely kind, compassionate and humble Peter was. It’s a quality I see in many San Diegans who ask me how they can help the City tackle this challenge. As we move forward, let us channel our collective concern into actions that uplift others, demonstrating the power of unity and compassion in creating a better future for all of us.
Together, we can make a difference.
As always, it’s an honor to serve as your Mayor.
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Mayor Gloria Appoints Next Chief of Police
After a thorough nationwide search and an extensive interview process that included community and law enforcement leaders, I have appointed Assistant Chief Scott Wahl as the new Chief of Police for the San Diego Police Department (SDPD).
This decision came after a comprehensive process that began last November, involving community forums, a nationwide search, and extensive vetting of more than 56 applicants. In the end, Assistant Chief Wahl stood out among many highly qualified candidates for his dedication and vision for a safer, more united San Diego.
Assistant Chief Wahl will build on the success of Police Chief David Nisleit, who will be retiring after 36 years of incredible service to our City this summer. I look forward to the positive changes Wahl will bring to our city as we work together toward a brighter, safer future for all of us.
Keeping our city among the safest big cities in the U.S. is one of my most important jobs as your Mayor, and Assistant Chief Wahl shares this dedication.
Assistant Chief Wahl has been with the San Diego Police Department for 25 years. He's been instrumental in areas like legislative affairs and community engagement, and he's played a key role in reducing crime in our coastal areas.
His work with the Neighborhood Policing Division has been groundbreaking in addressing some of our city's toughest challenges.
Read more on Inside San Diego.
• The City has also launched a nationwide search for a new Chief of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, including a public survey and community forums to gather feedback from San Diegans. Chief Colin Stowell, who is San Diego’s 18th fire chief, joined the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD) in 1988, and has served the City of San Diego for 34 years. He recently announced he will be retiring in August 2024.
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Mayor Gloria Honors Liz Ramírez and Other Impactful ‘Women of Distinction’
In celebration of Women’s History Month, I honored Liz Ramírez, president and CEO of the Chicano Federation of San Diego County, as this year’s “Woman of Distinction.”
Liz and nine other women, nominated by their City Councilmembers, were honored during a recent City Council meeting for their leadership, accomplishments and service to San Diego.
Led by Liz, the Chicano Federation is a 55-year-old organization that sits at the forefront of equity and access for historically disadvantaged communities, touching the lives of more than 50,000 individuals and families annually.
Liz has been a leader in our community for years, fully committed to serving and improving the lives of children, youth and families.
After the severe storm and flash flooding that devastated some of our communities, she exemplified the best of our city when she and the Chicano Federation stepped up to help affected residents, serving as a conduit for information from my office and the City and County to make sure residents knew what help was available and how to access it.
I launched this “Women of Distinction” ceremony three years ago to recognize exceptional women in San Diego and to thank them for what they do to make the City a better place for all of us.
Read more about all of the 2024 “Women of Distinction” on Inside San Diego.
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Regional Leaders Thank Congressional Delegation for Delivering $102 Million for Community Projects
Our Congressional delegation continues delivering for San Diego.
I am immensely grateful to for our region’s representatives in Congress securing an impressive $102.1 million for 69 pivotal community projects in the FY2024 appropriations bills
Our representatives in Congress have worked tirelessly in a difficult fiscal climate to ensure that these vital investments were made in our city and region. I'm particularly proud of the 12 community projects specifically designated for the City of San Diego, amounting to more than $14.3 million.
These projects will significantly enhance our stormwater infrastructure, expand our citywide bike network, and further develop our Safe Parking Program, directly impacting the lives of our residents.
Since FY2021, when community projects were reintroduced, our congressional delegation has brought more than $430 million back to the San Diego region, covering 146 projects.
On top of this funding, our delegation landed a standout victory by getting $156 million allocated to the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission. This nearly threefold increase in the construction budget is a crucial step towards addressing the issue of transborder water pollution that’s been plaguing our region for far too long.
This continued investment in our region is vital for the growth and well-being of our communities, and I stand alongside other local leaders as we express how deeply thankful we are for the dedication and support of our San Diego Congressional Delegation.
Their efforts are truly making a difference in our region, funding a better future for all of us.
Read more on Inside San Diego.
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San Diego to Increase Outreach Along San Diego River with $3.6 Million State Grant
Many people experiencing homelessness build encampments along the San Diego River, living in extremely unsafe areas prone to flooding.
Through a collaborative encampment project funded by a state grant, we are actively working to do extensive outreach to many of these people and get them connected to long-term housing.
This $17 million state grant funding was awarded last June to the City of San Diego, County of San Diego, City of Santee and California Department of Transportation, with $3.6 million going straight to our City. Part of the state’s innovative Encampment Resolution Funding Program (ERF), this funding has been instrumental in our ongoing efforts to get people off the streets and into care.
By clearing unsafe encampments along our river and connecting residents to housing, we are not only improving public health and safety, but also fostering a sense of dignity and stability for those in need.
Read more on Inside San Diego.
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GETTING IT DONE: FIXING OUR STREETS | |
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Upgraded Streets Otay Mesa
Communities in Nestor and Otay Mesa have improved and safer streets thanks to ongoing slurry seal resurfacing projects in the area, part of an overall effort to repair and resurface roads citywide. Slurry seal is used to prevent the deterioration of streets, which is vital to improving the overall condition of San Diego’s network of roads. It reduces the need for a more costly asphalt overlay and reconstruction for badly deteriorated streets. Information about different types of street repair can be found on the Transportation webpage.
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The 17th Annual Indian Music & Dance Festival
I was thrilled to join the 17th Annual Indian Music & Dance Festival in La Jolla. The Indian Fine Arts Academy of San Diego's event highlighted renowned vocal and instrumental Indian artists. San Diego is home to a vibrant Indian community that enriches our city in so many ways.
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110 Years of Service to San Diegans
I was honored to celebrate the Neighborhood House Association's monumental 110 years of dedicated service to the San Diego community. The NHA has played a pivotal role in transforming lives through essential social service programs, including employment support, healthcare access, and comprehensive services for children, families, and seniors. Their unwavering commitment to uplifting our community has touched countless lives, making San Diego a more inclusive and supportive place to call home.
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The Whaling Bar’s Return
I helped celebrate the grand reopening of The Whaling Bar in La Jolla at the La Valencia Hotel. This restaurant and bar is an iconic landmark, and the SDCM Restaurant Group has done a great job bringing it back to life. The Whaling Bar has been thoughtfully revitalized with a breathtaking new design and a menu that marries tradition with innovation. Its reopening is exciting moment for both San Diegans and visitors alike.
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Appreciating the La Jolla Playhouse
I joined the La Jolla Playhouse for their annual gala. I love supporting the La Jolla Playhouse's vital role in fostering artistic innovation and engaging our community through their programs for families and our military. Arts and culture organizations contribute to our city’s economy, our identity and our residents’ wellbeing.
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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:
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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FEMA Assistance for Storm-Impacted San Diegans
Homeowners and renters in San Diego County who had damage or losses caused by the Jan. 21-23, 2024, severe storm and flooding may apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The deadline to apply is April 19, 2024.
There Are Several Ways to Apply:
Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov
Use the FEMA mobile app.
Call 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. PT daily.
Visit a Disaster Recovery Center: Get help applying for federal assistance and loans.
Mountain View Community Center
641 South Boundary Street
San Diego, CA 92113
Spring Valley Library
836 Kempton Street
Spring Valley, CA 91977
Both centers operate from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT, daily unless otherwise noted.
For the latest FEMA information on the Jan. 21-23, 2024, San Diego County severe storms and flooding, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4758.
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Replace Your Commercial Diesel Equipment and Upgrade to Electric
The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District is currently offering grants and incentives for the following:
• School Buses Off-Road Construction and Cargo Handling Equipment
• Agricultural Equipment
• Commercial Harbor Craft
• Locomotives Fueling or Energy Infrastructure to power covered sources
• On-Road Trucks (very limited eligibility, contact the District for details)
Call (858) 586-2600, email cleanairgrants@sdapcd.org or go to sdapcd.org/grants for details.
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San Diego Urges Residents to Report Illegal Trash Dumping into Storm Drains and Channels
If you see someone dumping trash into a storm drain or flood channel, the City of San Diego wants you to report it! The City is calling on residents to help track down illegal dumping violations, and to report trash in or near creeks and other stormwater infrastructure like storm drains and channels.
Illegal dumping is dangerous to the environment, contaminating soil and water. It also risks clogging critical stormwater infrastructure which can increase the risk of localized flooding. Stormwater runoff enters storm drains untreated, and that runoff collects pollutants and carries them into local waterways and beaches, which can harm wildlife and negatively affect the health of a community. Violators can face fines of $1,000 for disposing trash and other materials into the stormwater system.
Following the storm that hit the San Diego region on Jan. 22 and caused flooding in several southeast and southern neighborhoods, crews cleared tons of storm debris and trash from more than 14 miles of storm channels under the emergency order. The emergency declaration allowed the City to complete the channel clearing work expeditiously while complying with streamlined regulatory processes under emergency federal permits.
The City’s massive stormwater system requires regular, proactive maintenance – such as clearing trash and debris, and inspecting and cleaning pipes – to keep runoff flowing properly and to ensure public safety.
Cases of illegal dumping can be reported on the City’s Get It Done app, by calling 619-235-1000 or emailing swppp@sandiego.gov.
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California Tax Workshop
The Internal Revenue Service and San Diego SBDC network will be conducting a free in person filing tax seminar. During the seminar small business entrepreneurs will learn the skills that can help start, manage, and receive assistance in understanding and fulfilling their tax responsibility.
You will hear from other agencies, including the Franchise Tax Board, California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), Small Business Administration and Employment Development Department (EDD). We will also have a “Show me the Money” session. Resource tables will be available in the atrium to answer questions and share resources.
Date: April 2, 2024
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Mission Fed Credit Union, 10325 Meanley Drive, San Diego, California 92131
Registration: Please send an email to Kenji.Chavez@irs.gov. For questions call 619-615-3746.
Sponsored By: Mission Fed Credit Union
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Poet Laureate Jason Magabo Perez Launches Signature Project
Please join San Diego Poet Laureate, Jason Magabo Perez, for the launch of his signature project entitled San Diego Poetry Futures 2024! It’s happening Wednesday, March 27, from 6-8 p.m. at the Shiley Special Events Suite San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Boulevard.
San Diego Poetry Futures 2024 (SDPF24) will serve as a collaborative space for poetic experimentation and explore poetry as a form of intergenerational community empowerment, through various programs and projects to bridge communities.
Learn more about the free event here.
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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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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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