FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Aug. 18, 2023

CONTACT:
MayorPress@sandiego.gov

SAN DIEGO – Mayor Todd Gloria was joined today by members of San Diego’s state legislative delegation as he highlighted their successful efforts to secure nearly $25 million in state budget funding for critically important projects in San Diego communities. 

“Even in a tight budget year for the State of California, our legislative delegation in Sacramento – led by Senate President pro Tem Toni Atkins – came through with significant funding for projects and programs that will enable the City to improve the quality of life in a number of our communities,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “Taken together, these projects will help us make neighborhoods safer; address homelessness; improve our parks, libraries and streets; and expand housing opportunities.” 

Today’s event was held at Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, which will benefit from $500,000 in funding to re-leather the organ so that Civic Organist Raúl Prieto Ramírez and future organists can continue to produce music at free concerts in the Pavilion. Other funded projects in Balboa Park include $5.6 million to expand exhibit space at the Fleet Science Center and $1.28 million to upgrade core internal systems at the Natural History Museum. 

“Despite the budget challenges the State encountered this year, I am pleased that we were able to secure significant funding for projects and programs in the San Diego region – these are investments that will enhance our communities now and for years to come,” said State Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins. “These local budget wins, which are a result of great collaboration between my Assembly and Senate colleagues in our San Diego delegation, with the offices of the Mayor and City Councilmembers, and with governmental agencies and non-profit partners throughout the San Diego region, will go a long way in meeting our region’s needs.” 

Here is the full list of funded projects: 

• Expansion of exhibit space at Fleet Science Center Exhibit Space - $5.6 million
• Improved lighting for sports fields at Memorial Community Park in Logan Heights - $3.5 million
• Phase 2 construction of the San Diego River Park Foundation’s Grant Park River Center in Mission Valley - $2.5 million
• Creation of a new San Diego Regional Gun Violence Response Task Force - $2.2 million
• Expanded housing capacity at the City-owned Casa Colina property in City Heights, in partnership with the San Diego Housing Commission - $2 million
• Business Improvement District community programming - $1.5 million
• Upgrades of internal systems at the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park - $1.275 million
• New fire boat for the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department - $1.25 million
• Streetscape improvements in La Lolla Village - $1 million
• Homelessness Outreach Task Force, San Diego Housing Commission - $750,000
• Repair of Roswell Street in Emerald Hills - $710,000
• San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force enforcement - $600,000
• Re-Leathering of the Spreckels Organ in Balboa Park - $500,000
• Partial funding for design work on replacement of Hodges Dam - $500,000
• Various materials for San Diego Libraries - $500,000
• Feasibility study for a new City lifeguard garage facility in La Jolla - $250,000
• Restoration of “The Black Family” statue at Mountain View Park - $195,000

What delegation members are saying: 

“I am proud to have secured $5 million this year for various projects and programs throughout San Diego County,” said Assemblymember Brian Maienschein. “These funds will be used by local agencies and programs working to improve our region’s public safety, as well as the expansion of homelessness outreach efforts in San Diego.”

“I am proud to have helped secure nearly $25 million in state funding for vital infrastructure, programs and projects for the San Diego region,” said Assemblymember Chris Ward. “I’m thrilled to be in a position where I can continue to support our city and meet the priorities and demands of all San Diegans.”

“With more than $3.5 million in budget funding, we will be able to get several projects over the finish line to being completely funded, and other longer-term projects are one step closer,” said Assemblymember Akilah Weber, M.D. “The projects I was able to get funded in the City of San Diego, such as 'The Black Family' statue, will have positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities and constituents of the 79th Assembly District.

“As a mother and a legislator, I believe that the State Budget is a reflection of our values. That is why I was proud to stand side by side with my fellow legislators throughout the region in standing up for projects that help revitalize our communities, address the impacts of climate change, support public safety and strengthen infrastructure critical to our local economy,” said Assemblymember Tasha Boerner. “I’m thrilled to see critical funding focused on increased sustainability, opportunity and safety being delivered to our district. I am so grateful for the collaboration of my colleagues and community stakeholders in helping to make this happen.”

“I’m thrilled to have secured much-needed funding for communities across San Diego,” said Assemblymember David Alvarez. “We received funding for Memorial Community Park in Logan Heights to improve the field and increase safety. Additionally, we retained funds for the Scripps Institution of Oceanography to track and model our coastline to address the continued issue of cross-border pollution. As your Assemblymember, my job is to fight for my community, and I'm proud of the budget accomplishments this year.”

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