My office's 2026 Intiatives for San Diegans

    

As your Public Advocate, my work is driven by community needs, direct advocacy, and tangible action. In 2026, I’m focused on advancing equity, protecting families and neighborhoods, and strengthening civic power across San Diego.

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🥪 1. Community Support & Direct Services

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I continue longstanding efforts to meet critical community needs through events like the annual Christmas Day Breakfast and gift giveaway that lifts the spirits of hundreds of families, military families, foster youth, and people experiencing homelessness.

 

Initiative Priorities

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• Expand outreach and service programming throughout the year.

• Build partnerships with nonprofits, faith leaders, and volunteers to serve more neighbors in need.

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🍞 2. Food Security & Emergency Advocacy

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I have pushed local government leaders to recognize and respond to threats to basic needs — including urging county officials to declare a local emergency when federal benefit disruptions threatened food access for hundreds of thousands of residents.

 

Initiative Priorities

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• Strengthen emergency preparedness for food insecurity and benefit interruptions.

• Coordinate with community organizations to ensure access to nutrition resources for vulnerable families.

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📊 3. Fiscal Accountability & Community Funding

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I’ve urged local lawmakers to prioritize community needs in city budgets — including advocating for the restoration of community funding and essential neighborhood services that were at risk in budget vetoes.

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Initiative Priorities

• Advocate for transparent budgeting that protects community services.

• Ensure neighborhood investment and community grants remain strong.

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🛠️ 4. Historic Preservation & Planning Integrity

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I’ve taken leadership in defending San Diego’s historic preservation processes, including challenging amendments that would politicize preservation decisions and protect historic homes and heritage programs.

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Initiative Priorities

• Safeguard fair and transparent planning processes.

• Protect historic preservation standards from political influence.

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🤝 5. Equity, Diversity & Fair Representation

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I’ve worked with statewide commissions and local boards to address equity and representation gaps — for example, urging leadership at public venues like the Fairgrounds to adopt workforce equity and vendor access studies.

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Initiative Priorities

• Promote diversity and inclusion in public institutions and operations.

• Champion studies and policies that expand opportunity for underserved communities.

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🏙️ 6. Civic Recognition & Cultural Legacy

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After years of community leadership, I helped shepherd the successful designation of Willie Morrow Way — honoring a pioneering Black entrepreneur and ensuring that local history is recognized and preserved for future generations.

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Initiative Priorities

• Advance civic projects that celebrate local heritage and community leaders.

• Continue efforts that elevate stories and legacies often overlooked.