Dear Neighbor, 

Last year, more than 800 San Diegans died from fentanyl overdose. Throughout our region, overdose deaths from this dangerous drug are continuing to occur at an alarming rate.  

It’s also having an outsized impact on San Diego’s unsheltered population, killing 113 homeless people last year – an alarming increase from just five years ago, when two people experiencing homelessness died from fentanyl overdose. 

The proliferation of illicit fentanyl – and the death and destruction its causing in our communities – demands aggressive action from all levels of government. This is why I have signed an executive order directing stronger enforcement and further action in order to address the proliferation of illicit fentanyl in our communities.  

My executive order directs the San Diego Police Department to strengthen and prioritize enforcement for fentanyl sales-related crimes to the greatest extent possible and commits my Policy and Government Affairs teams to pursue funding and legislation that help law enforcement address the impact of fentanyl in our community. The order is in effect currently. 

Fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin – and powerfully addictive.  Deaths from the drug, which is cheap to produce, have increased tenfold from five years ago, when it first emerged as a common street drug.  As Mayor, I’m going to do everything within my authority to tackle this crisis head-on.  

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

Mayor Discusses the Implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo 

I joined U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and fellow Mayors from across the country to celebrate one year of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and to discuss its workforce impacts.  

I had the opportunity to share that, with the passage of Measure D in November, San Diego is committed to rebuilding our City with local, high skilled, good paying jobs. I also highlighted the success of Pure Water San Diego which is the largest infrastructure project in the City’s history operating under a project labor agreement. 

Civic Center Redevelopment Committee Discusses Central Mobility Hub 

The Civic Center Revitalization Committee met to discuss SANDAG’s Central Mobility Hub and airport connectivity concepts as well as some lessons learned from the previous effort to redevelop the Civic Center.

The Committee Working Groups are making great progress toward developing a set of recommendations. At their next meeting on Monday, Dec. 12, the Committee will be voting on each Working Group’s draft recommendations in anticipation of the next City Council information item scheduled on Jan. 10. 

I appreciate the members of the public who have participated in the committee by providing public comment or writing to my office. It’s not too late to offer your feedback. If you’d like to receive email updates from the Civic Center Revitalization Committee, including notifications on agendas, video recordings, and background material, please visit:

www.sandiego.gov/mayor/ccrc. 

To join the meeting on Dec. 12 at 3:30 p.m., please use the link below: 

https://sandiego.zoomgov.com/j/1613408303  

Webinar ID: 161 340 8303 

Mayor Gloria and over 70 U.S. Mayors urge Congress to Enact DACA protections 

I joined more than 70 mayors across the U.S. by signing on to a bipartisan letter to Congressional leaders calling on legislation to offer permanent protections to Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, also known as Dreamers.  

Thousands of Dreamers live in San Diego; they are our friends, colleagues and neighbors who need certainty for themselves and their families. The City of San Diego stands with Dreamers in the region and across the country as we urge Congress to do the right thing and pass legislation to finally provide Dreamers the peace of mind they deserve. 

Learn more here.

Road Repair: Clairemont

This week, City crews repaired potholes near Coconino Way and Pocahontas Avenue in Clairemont! 

My administration continues to prioritize fixing our streets in every community. To report potholes in your neighborhood, download the Get It Done app or submit a report here. 

Celebrating December Nights  

It’s that time of year again! Balboa Park transformed into a winter wonderland this weekend during their 45th annual December Nights! 

I had a great time attending the kickoff on Friday night. This family-friendly tradition brought San Diegans together to enjoy holiday lights, performances, museums and, of course, amazing seasonal food. 

This year as part of December Nights, the City is teamed up with PATH San Diego and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) for a Sock Drive to benefit people experiencing homelessness.  

Honoring the Legacy of LGBTQ Activist Nicole Murray Ramirez 

It was an honor to commemorate LGBTQ+ and Latino community activist Nicole Murray Ramirez with an honorary street name for his commitment to our city.   

A longtime Human Relations Commissioner, Nicole has been an LGBTQ+ rights pioneer in San Diego dedicated to fighting for equality for decades. He was part of the trio that started the Pride Parade in San Diego almost 50 years ago. Initially, they were denied a permit for the parade and threatened with arrest. San Diego Pride has since grown to one of our city’s largest and most beloved events.  

Because of Nicole’s courage and persistence, our community is a safer, more accepting and a loving place to be.  

Urban League’s Soul of San Diego Diversity Awards 

It was a tremendous honor to receive the Urban League of San Diego County’s (ULSDC) Diversity Award this year. 

Growing up, I was constantly fighting against the idea that someone who looked like me could never be elected to public office. As the first person of color and the first LGBTQ+ person to ever be elected the City’s Mayor, I’m committed to ensuring San Diego is truly a city that represents and works for all of us. 

Mama's Kitchen 31st Annual World AIDS Day Celebration 



December 1 was World AIDS Day, a time of remembrance for those we have lost to the disease as well as a day of education and celebration of the progress we have made in the fight against HIV. Mama’s Kitchen, which has served millions of meals to those with HIV/AIDS and other diseases, held their 31st Annual Tree of Life Ceremony in Hillcrest. I was proud to participate in the event and will continue to support those living with HIV. 

SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off 

I love seeing our communities come together for a good cause. This weekend, North Park and South Park joined forces for their annual SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-off. 100% of the proceeds go to the McKinley School Foundation to support the dance, art, music, Spanish, garden and ceramic programs at McKinley Elementary School in North Park, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. 

La Jolla Christmas Parade  



La Jolla kicked off the December holidays with their 66th annual Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival. The parade and festival are one of La Jolla’s most treasured holiday activities – so I was thrilled to be a part of it! The event included photos with Santa, live stage entertainment, and food from local vendors. The theme for the parade this year is "Grand Ole' Christmas" Celebrating La Jolla's history.  

Scripps Ranch Tree Lighting 

The holidays are about spreading joy and giving. Girl Scouts Troop 3828 did just that this weekend during their 40th annual Scripps Ranch Girl Scouts tree lighting and toy drive! I was happy to stop by the festivities and meet the amazing troop that planned the incredible event at Jerabek Park, which benefitted Toys for Tots. All proceeds will go to S.H.A.R.E., a program which helps girls who want to become Girl Scouts with the financial assistance of joining.  

Celebrating the Downtown Lions Club’s 100 Years of Service  



I was excited to join the Downtown Lions Club to provide a City update, including the latest with the Civic Center revitalization at their 100th Anniversary celebration. Over the last century, the Lion’s Club has embodied what San Diegans can accomplish when they commit to a shared vision to better our communities, including volunteering and service events, philanthropic giving, community engagement and activation, and much more.