Volume 1, Issue 2 — August 2025

Our Work in Action: Updates from the City Attorney’s Office

HPU: A New Team Dedicated to Safe, Fair, and Livable Housing

We launched the Housing Protection and Civil Code Compliance Unit (HPU), a new team dedicated to ensuring that housing in San Diego is safe, fair, and livable.

The HPU takes on chronic problem properties, persistent code violations, unsafe and substandard housing, unfair business practices, and repeated violations of key housing laws such as the Tenant Protection Ordinance and the Short-Term Residential Occupancy Ordinance. Our mission is clear: hold violators accountable and protect the rights of residents across the city.

I was joined by Mayor Gloria, Council President Pro Tem Lee, Councilmember Elo-Rivera, City staff, and our nonprofit partners — San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program (SDVLP) and Legal Aid Society of San Diego.

To learn more, check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and if you’d like to submit a complaint, just click the button below.

Submit a Complaint

Our Website Just Got a Refresh!

A Fresh Design to Better Serve our Community

I’m excited to share that we’ve launched our newly refreshed website, created to make it easier for everyone in our community to access the resources and support they need.

With streamlined navigation, clearer information about our units and services, and a mobile-friendly design, the updated site is built to connect you with us quickly and conveniently. From victim support to housing protections and other essential resources, our new website reflects my Office's commitment to ensuring that information you're looking for is always just a click away.

Explore the New Website

Legal Actions and Victories

Settlement Reached with Owner of the California Theatre to End Years of Blight

My Office secured a settlement with the owner of the California Theatre that establishes a clear, enforceable plan with firm deadlines to finally address this long-abandoned property.

By August 30, 2025 → The site must be formally listed and actively marketed for sale.
By December 31, 2026 → The sale must close, or the owner must obtain demolition permits within 90 days.
Up to $1 million in penalties may be imposed if the deadlines are not met.

In addition to these requirements, the owner must reimburse the City for investigative costs and comply with existing court orders mandating 24-hour fire watch and security patrols, boarding of openings, and maintenance of perimeter fencing.

This agreement delivers accountability, sets clear timelines, and requires compliance measures that directly respond to community concerns about safety, blight, and enforcement.

Read the Full Press Release

Holding Negligent Property Owners Accountable

My Office secured a civil judgment against the owner of four unsafe and blighted vacant properties in Ocean Beach. For years, these properties generated community concerns, attracting crime, creating health and safety hazards, and undermining the quality of life for neighbors.

After repeated violations and ongoing complaints, the court ordered the property owner to restore the buildings, bring them into full compliance with city codes, and pay both penalties and investigative costs. This judgment not only addresses the immediate conditions at these properties but also sends a clear message that property neglect and disregard for the law will not be tolerated in our city.

By working with residents, city staff, and our enforcement partners, we can hold violators accountable when their inaction puts others in harm's way.

Read the Full Press Release

Building Community Together!

Keeping San Diegans Safe: A Conversation on Gun Violence Prevention

I had the honor of joining Senator Blakespear and fellow community leaders at the University of San Diego (my alma mater), for a powerful panel discussion on gun violence prevention.

I got the chance to highlight the work of my Office’s Gun Violence Response Unit (GVRU) — a nationally recognized “red flag law” program that has removed thousands of firearms from individuals who pose threats, helping keep San Diegans safe.

The GVRU works closely with the San Diego Police Department, filing petitions for Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs), appearing in court, and handling appeals. It also leads the San Diego Countywide Gun Relinquishment Task Force, coordinates with partner agencies across jurisdictions, and provides training for cities and counties across California seeking to establish similar programs.

The event brought together community members, advocates, and leaders committed to reducing gun violence through policy, education, enforcement, and prevention.

Learn More About the GVRU

National Night Out!

This year's National Night Out was in full swing and I joined two incredible events with the Southern and Mid-City Divisions of SDPD!

It was a wonderful opportunity to spend time with families, connect with community partners, and show support for the dedicated law enforcement teams who work every day to keep our neighborhoods safe.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out and made these gatherings so special. Strong, safe communities begin with all of us, and National Night Out was a great reminder of the power of coming together.

Backpacks, Storytime, and Community Support for Families

We had a wonderful turnout at the annual Backpack Giveaway hosted by Your Safe Place! Nearly 200 backpacks were distributed to children impacted by trauma, each one filled with essential school supplies and, more importantly, a reminder that they are not alone.

I was joined by Mayor Todd Gloria, Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee, Councilmember Henry Foster, and many of our community partners (including the Padres’ Friar) to welcome these families.

I also enjoyed story time, reading Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus to a group of very excited kids!

Your Safe Place, housed in the San Diego City Attorney’s Office, continues to provide trauma-informed support to survivors and their families throughout our city.

Thank you to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), our sponsors, and all of our community partners who made this special event possible.

Celebrating Our 2025 Summer Legal Interns for #NationalInternDay!

From navigating complex case law to figuring out how to use the fax machine, this talented group did it all. Over the past few months, they jumped right in to both civil and criminal work— researching, writing, observing in court, and collaborating with attorneys across our office. They contributed to meaningful cases, asked thoughtful questions, and brought fresh perspectives that strengthened our work.

We are so proud to have been part of their journey and can’t wait to see where their careers take them next!

July 4th Annual Parade in Scripps Ranch!

I had a fantastic time celebrating the 4th of July at the 54th Annual Scripps Ranch Parade! It was such a joy to connect with members of this wonderful community and share in the holiday spirit.

A big thank you to the Scripps Ranch Civic Association for organizing such a fun and meaningful parade, and for giving us the opportunity to come together to celebrate our country. And a special highlight — getting to ride in the coolest car in the parade, a classic 1965 convertible Mustang!

Resources

Housing Protection and Civil Code Compliance Unit (HPU)

HPU works to protect San Diegans by ensuring housing is safe, fair, and livable. The unit tackles chronic problem properties, repeated code violations, substandard housing, and unfair rental practices. Through enforcement and partnerships, HPU holds violators accountable and safeguards the rights of residents across the city.

Report a Violation Here

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 Gun Violence Restraining Order (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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