Volume 1, Issue 1 — July 2025

From Day One: Progress and Priorities in the First Half of 2025

Welcome to the Office of the City Attorney's New Newsletter!

On December 10, 2024, I had the honor of being sworn in as the 28th City Attorney of the City of San Diego. I am deeply honored to be your elected City Attorney. My focus is putting the law first to move San Diego forward. That’s how we fight crime and make San Diego safer. It’s how we protect taxpayers and enforce laws that protect our environment, consumers, and working families by holding violators accountable. And it’s how we defend those who struggle to defend themselves – seniors, children, victims of domestic violence and abuse.

It's hard to believe it's already July. I've spent my first several months in office working each day to ensure this office continues to be a powerful advocate for the public interest. I'm pleased to share our Office's first newsletter, which highlights some important parts of that work. I hope you find the updates and resources helpful.

Legal Actions and Victories

Protecting San Diego’s Access to Critical Federal Funding

We joined 15 cities and counties, including San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland, in a lawsuit to challenge federal actions that threaten millions of dollars in funding for essential public safety services.

The City of San Diego relies on U.S. Department of Justice grants to fund forensic evidence processing, special task forces, and crime control initiatives.

Withholding these funds, especially as the City faces a budget deficit, would cause significant harm to our residents.

Read the Full Press Release

City’s Lawsuit Halts Unlawful Funding Freeze

On May 19th, a federal judge issued a permanent injunction against the federal administration’s attempt to freeze critical funding, protecting programs like Ready, Set, Grow San Diego that are building healthier, greener neighborhoods.

Our office filed a lawsuit in February to stop the Administration’s unlawful freeze on federal funding for programs that matter to many in our communities. The funding supports our Ready, Set, Grow SD grant program funded by a $10 million grant from the USDA's Urban and Community Forestry Program.

Read the Full Press Release

Big Win for Tenant Safety!

We reached a settlement with owners of The Carl apartment complex near USD, where college students were living in unsafe conditions, and were paying up to $4,200/month for these hazardous living situations!

As part of the settlement: The property owners will reimburse the City for investigation costs, pay $200,000 in penalties, and must fix all building violations. They also can’t let this happen at other properties they own.

"Property owners cannot cut corners on tenant safety while charging exorbitant rents. All residents, especially students, deserve to live in a building that meets basic safety standards,” said City Attorney Heather Ferbert.

The Nuisance Abatement Unit worked alongside the City’s Building and Land Use Enforcement Division and the Fire Department to address these violations.

If you’re a tenant living in unsafe conditions, contact the Building and Land Use Enforcement Division at 619-236-5500 or visit https://www.sandiego.gov/development-services/building-land-use-enforcement.

This action was brought by the San Diego City Attorney’s Office on behalf of the People of the State of California.

Read the Full Press Release

Cracking Down on Illegal and Illicit Activity in Barrio Logan

In partnership with the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) and Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), we filed a civil enforcement action to shut down an illegal massage parlor tied to prostitution and possible human trafficking.

These actions threaten public safety and human dignity. The office committed to protecting our neighborhoods and supporting the most vulnerable members of our community.

Read the Full Press Release

Consumer Alert!

Know Your Rights - Wage Theft and Worker Misclassification

We issued a consumer alert to help workers understand their rights when it comes to wage theft and misclassification, two practices that continue to harm workers across industries, especially those in low-wage or gig economy jobs.

Misclassified employees are often denied benefits, overtime pay, and legal protections, while wage theft deprives workers of the fair compensation they’ve earned. Our goal is to ensure San Diegans know the signs, understand their rights, and feel empowered to report violations. Every worker deserves dignity, fairness, and the full protection of the law—and we remain committed to holding employers accountable when they violate those rights.

For more information about wage theft prevention or to file a citizen complaint, visit the City of San Diego Minimum Wage Program or contact the Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) Unit of the San Diego City Attorney's Office.

Report Wage Theft to ACE

Your Safe Place - 2024 Annual Report

Our team had the honor of highlighting the important work of Your Safe Place, San Diego.

Diane Doherty, Executive Director, the Family Justice Center, presented at the City Council Committee on Public Safety, showcasing our annual report and the meaningful progress to support survivors, advance trauma-informed services, and strengthen community safety.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or violence, please visit www.yoursafeplacesd.org to access confidential support and resources.

Read the 2024 Annual Impact Report

Inspiring the Next Generation!

I had the pleasure of welcoming second graders from La Jolla Country Day School to City Hall. We talked about local government, my role as City Attorney, and they asked some fantastic (and tough!) questions. It was a joy to help inspire the next generation of public servants.

Law Day 2025

Every lawyer in this country pledges an oath to uphold the Constitutions of the United States and their state. I took that oath nearly 20 years ago and I proudly took it again in honor of Law Day on May 1st.

In light of recent attacks on the judges, lawyers, and law firms, it’s more important than ever to reaffirm our commitment as legal professionals to uphold justice, integrity, and the highest ethical standards.

It’s also a reminder of our responsibility to respect the rule of law, defend judicial independence, and protect individual rights.

I’m grateful to stand alongside the San Diego County Bar Association and the Federal Bar Association, San Diego and so many dedicated members of our legal community as we continue this important work.

FBA San Diego Chapter President, Kim Gregg, City Attorney Heather Ferbert, and SDCBA President Michelle Gastil.

Welcome Summer 2025 Legal Interns!

Summer 2025 Criminal Division Interns

Summer 2025 Civil Division Interns

We’re thrilled to welcome our Summer 2025 legal interns to both the Civil and Criminal Divisions of the City Attorney’s Office. This talented group of law students will gain hands-on experience in a wide range of legal work, from litigation and advisory matters in the Civil Division to criminal prosecution and courtroom practice in the Criminal Division.

They’ll work alongside dedicated attorneys, contribute to meaningful public service, and develop the skills that will shape their future careers in law. We’re so glad to have them on board and can’t wait to see all they’ll accomplish in the months ahead!

Learn More About the CAO Legal Internship Program

Pride in San Diego!

2025 Pride Parade 🌈

Our team marched in the San Diego Pride Parade on July 19th, proudly standing in support of the LGBTQ+ community. It was an incredible day filled with energy, unity, and celebration, as thousands lined the streets to show their love and support.

A big thank you to San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention (SD4GVP) for joining us and marching together in solidarity.

Pride is about standing up, showing up, and continuing the work, not just this week, but all year long!

Resources

Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE)

Our ACE Unit protects consumers and workers by holding businesses accountable for unlawful practices like false advertising, unsafe products, wage theft, and worker misclassification. We use litigation and partnerships to promote fair business practices, public safety, and economic justice.

Report a Violation Here

Gun Violence Response Unit GVRO's

Our first of its kind GVRO program uses California’s red flag law to remove guns from people who pose a threat to themselves or others. The unit has removed firearms from over 1,500 dangerous individuals and helped prevent potential mass shootings.

Learn More

Your Safe Place, The Family Justice Center

Your Safe Place provides free services to adults, seniors, children, and teens who have or are experiencing domestic violence, family violence, elder abuse, sexual assault, or sex trafficking regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, income, zip code, and immigration status.

Visit YSP Website

Domestic Violence and Sex Crimes Unit

The Domestic Violence and Sex Crimes Unit handles misdemeanor cases of domestic violence, elder abuse, animal abuse, sexual battery, stalking, and child abuse, including neglect, molestation, and statutory rape.

Call (619) 533-5544 or email CityAttyCrimInfo@sandiego.gov

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