Dear Neighbor,

Healthcare clinics, reproductive care clinics, schools, and places of worship are increasingly becoming sites for demonstrations where people attempting to access these facilities are subjected to harassment or intimidation.

In a move to safeguard access to these vital sites, today I signed into law crucial amendments to our Municipal Code regarding free-speech buffer zones. The changes expand the buffer zones around covered facilities to 100 feet, among other modifications that protect access.

I want to extend my thanks to City Attorney Mara Elliott for her leadership in bringing forward these important updates. Thanks to her dedication and the unanimous support from our City Council, we've struck a balance that ensures people have safe, unfettered access to essential services while upholding protesters’ First Amendment rights.

These amendments guarantee that everyone can access healthcare, participate in education, and practice their faith freely and safely.

I also want to thank all the community leaders who contributed to this achievement. Their support and dedication have helped ensure San Diego remains a place where everyone's rights are respected.

Together, we are creating a respectful and safe environment for all.

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

Mayor Gloria Elected 2nd Vice President of U.S. Conference of Mayors

I am honored to have been elected by my fellow mayors as the 2nd Vice President of the United States Conference of Mayors.

This prestigious role places me in a key leadership position within an influential organization that represents cities with populations of 30,000 or more, providing a united voice for over 1,400 cities across the country.

This opportunity allows me to collaborate more closely with my mayoral colleagues to develop solutions for the most pressing challenges faced by cities, including high housing costs, homelessness, aging infrastructure, and public safety. By leveraging our collective voice, we can spur action on these issues and improve the quality of life for residents in our respective cities.

Being part of the leadership of the U.S. Conference of Mayors aligns with my vision of elevating San Diego to act like the big city it truly is. This involves focusing on significant issues rather than smaller, less impactful ones, and working towards a sustainable and equitable future for all San Diegans. This leadership role not only highlights San Diego's growing influence but also reinforces our commitment to making our city a model of progress and innovation on the national stage.

As we continue to work together, I look forward to the positive changes we can bring to our communities through collaboration, dedication, and a shared vision for a better future.

San Diego Leaders Celebrate New Shelter for Domestic Violence Survivors 

Casa Mariposa, a new shelter for women and children fleeing domestic violence, is now open and serving San Diegans in need.

This shelter, operated by SBCS (formerly South Bay Community Services), provides essential services to help survivors of domestic violence rebuild their lives and avoid homelessness. Too many victims fleeing violence end up sleeping in their cars or on the streets.

Casa Mariposa features more than 40 units with private bathrooms, shared kitchens, communal spaces, and 24-hour security. The shelter offers referrals to clients through the City’s Your Safe Place and the County’s One Safe Place Family Justice Centers.

The opening of Casa Mariposa fills a critical gap in services, ensuring that survivors have a safe place to stay while accessing support such as legal aid, counseling, and financial training.

I want to thank San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliott, a key advocate for the project, for her leadership opening this new facility and helping to break the cycle of violence. Thanks to Senate President pro Tempore Emeritus Toni G. Atkins and other officials for this collaborative effort among state, county, and city partners to bring this project to fruition.

Since its soft launch in April 2024, Casa Mariposa has already served 32 families, providing comprehensive support to help them rebuild their lives with safety and dignity.

For more information or assistance, visit sandiego.gov/yoursafeplace or onesafeplacenorth.org.

Kicking Off the Summer Civics Internship Program

We recently celebrated the City of San Diego's second year of our Employ & Empower Summer Civics Internship program. This year, we have welcomed 200 young people, ages 16 to 30, to our workforce, bringing the total number of paid interns since the program's inception in 2022 to over 1,000 – our target number we set when the program launched.

This milestone demonstrates the City’s commitment to investing in our youth. Through this initiative, we provide opportunities for young people to gain valuable skills and experience while earning a paycheck and exploring career options in public service.

The eight-week Summer Civics Internship program introduces San Diego's next generation to the impact they can make in their communities. Interns gain real-world, paid professional work experience alongside City employees and learn the value of public service as a career option.

Of the 1,033 youth hired through Employ & Empower: 79% come from communities of concern, 65% identify as low-income and 19% have transitioned to permanent City employment after completing their internships.

This program is made possible through funding from California Volunteers in the Office of the Governor.

Employ & Empower prioritizes youth in need, focusing on those transitioning from foster care, low-income backgrounds, formerly justice system-involved, or engaged with mental health or substance abuse systems.

The partnership between the City and the state’s #CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps offers young people a chance to benefit their community while gaining an introduction to a career in public service, ultimately benefiting society as a whole. The Employ & Empower program is open to California youth between the ages of 16 and 30 who are enrolled in an academic or training program.

GETTING IT DONE – Fixing Streets

Red Rock Drive Resurfaced in Time for 4th of July Parade!

Red Rock Drive in Scripps Ranch has been successfully resurfaced just in time for the neighborhood’s annual Scripps Ranch 4th of July Parade! Construction crews completed the asphalt overlay and striping within a few days, ensuring a smooth and safe road for the festivities. Another road improvement project delivered for our community!

Mayor Gloria Around Town

Honoring Women of Valor at Lipinsky Family Jewish Arts Festival

The annual Lipinsky Family Jewish Arts Festival celebrates and promotes the rich diversity of Jewish identity by collaborating with artists and venues to create and produce Jewish music, theatre, dance, and fine arts for the broader San Diego community.Six remarkable women were honored this year at the Jewish Arts Festival for their extraordinary contributions to the community. Congratulations to all the “Women of Valor” honorees for their dedication and achievements.

Celebrating Multifamily Development in San Diego

I had the honor of delivering the keynote speech at the San Diego Multifamily Summit. Addressing industry leaders, I discussed our City’s progress in tackling housing, homelessness, and infrastructure challenges. I highlighted our achievements, including doubling shelter options, setting records for infrastructure investments, and implementing innovative housing policies. What I hope attendees took away from my speech was my personal dedication and commitment to building more housing and improving public safety, making San Diego a model for smart and innovative urban development.

Supporting Regional Economic Development

At the San Diego EDC Annual Dinner, San Diego’s business community celebrated the incredible work of Mark Cafferty and his team at the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation for advancing our region's economic landscape. Congratulations to award winners Solar Turbines and Jim Zortman, whose contributions are vital to San Diego’s growth and success. Thank you to everyone who supports the EDC and our shared mission of building a vibrant, inclusive economy.

Welcoming UDW to San Diego

The United Domestic Workers of America (UDW) held their 2024 convention in San Diego this year. The care UDW workers provide to children, seniors, and people who are disabled enables parents to provide for their families and helps people live with dignity. I’m proud to support the union’s mission and the incredible work they do for our community.