In a normal year, I would be speaking in a theater surrounded by hundreds of people who care deeply about our City. Tonight, I am addressing you from the empty #SanYsidro Branch Library in one of the neighborhoods hardest hit by #COVID19. #SOTCSD

This library, and what it means to this community, is a symbol of who we should be as a City. It is a beautiful reminder of the importance of investing in traditionally underserved neighborhoods and proof of community perseverance during this pandemic. #SOTCSD

The pandemic has exacerbated long-standing City budget problems the last administration did little to address. Behind the ribbon cuttings and news conferences, the City faced structural budget deficits. I’ve inherited a budget deficit that exceeds $150 million. #SOTCSD

That hole in our budget is greater than what it takes to run our Parks and Recreation Department for a year. It means that we are left with even fewer resources to fix our crumbling streets, city facilities and stormwater systems. #SOTCSD

Honestly, the state of our City is fragile right now, but I have faith it won’t be for much longer. At our core, our city is strong because San Diegans are strong. #SOTCSD

We will lift each other up and create a future that is better #ForAllofUs. For the City to accomplish this goal, we must first recognize that our battle with #COVID19 is far from over. We keep shattering single-day records for cases and deaths. #SOTCSD

This is why it was important for me to take a different approach. My first executive order was to protect our hospital system and save lives. We need to hold accountable those who choose to blatantly and egregiously defy public health orders. #SOTCSD

Working alongside County public health officials, some San Diego firefighters are now authorized to administer vaccinations. We are also working with the County to open vaccination centers – like the one we opened this week at Tailgate Park to provide easy access for all. #SOTCSD

San Diego was among the first cities in the country to convert our unused convention center into a place to provide sanctuary from the streets. Through this program, we’ve been able to connect nearly 1,200 individuals and families with long-term housing. #SOTCSD

I want to speak directly to all of you who are staying at the Convention Center right now: I am proud of you. I’ve seen your courage in taking the first steps to get off the streets and I am committed to your future. #SOTCSD

No longer will San Diego be a place that buys indoor skydiving facilities that house no one and claim it will solve our crisis. And no longer will we expect our police officers to serve as the first point of contact for unsheltered people in need. #SOTCSD

I’m working closely with @SupFletcher and the County Board of Supervisors to increase support and access for behavioral health services. We need medical professionals out on our streets, in our canyons, and on our beaches to provide on-the-spot assistance. #SOTCSD

I’m pledging a renewed focus on housing-first solutions. That means creating permanent supportive housing with wrap-around services for people who are unsheltered. San Diego can be a leader on combatting homelessness. And, now, we have the political will to do it. #SOTCSD

Tonight, I am proud to announce that one of the United States' leading experts on homelessness, Matthew Doherty, is going to help us launch into the next phase. Matthew was appointed by @BarackObama as Executive Director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. #SOTCSD

Let me be clear: we must change the status quo on homelessness. Some people want quick, easy solutions, but there are no shortcuts to end homelessness. Instead, it will take steadfast, unrelenting tenacity. We can end chronic homelessness in San Diego. #SOTCSD

A San Diego #ForAllofUs is a City where people at all income levels have a place they can afford to live. You should be able to have a roof over your head without worrying about putting food on your table. #SOTCSD

We will prioritize new housing construction in all neighborhoods, especially focused near transit and jobs. This means accelerating the pace of community plan updates and engaging with community members to meet those goals. #SOTCSD

We’re going to focus on creating more housing that middle- and working-class people can afford. We will incentivize middle- and low-income housing development so San Diegans have a pathway to put down roots and build generational wealth. #SOTCSD

This year, I'll be working with my colleagues at @SANDAG to approve the 2021 Regional Plan known as the "Five Big Moves." It will create a transportation blueprint for our region that is equitable, sustainable and improves the everyday lives of millions of people #SOTCSD

I am overhauling the way we prioritize road repairs to use data to drive our decisions, be more equitable, and focus on quality, long-term fixes on San Diego’s most used streets. #SOTCSD

As we repair these long-neglected roads, I will work with the City Council to create a citywide policy for complete streets. These streets will help us with our Vision Zero goal of having no traffic-related fatalities or severe injuries by 2025. #SOTCSD

We are going to transform Fifth Avenue in the #Gaslamp and Normal Street in #Hillcrest by closing them to car traffic for San Diegans to enjoy. High-quality public spaces like these promenades will encourage walkability and enhance the quality of life for all. #SOTCSD

George Floyd’s murder and the continuing protests since his death, have made it very clear injustices must be addressed more aggressively. That starts with acknowledging clearly and definitively that #BlackLivesMatter . We can’t just say it. Our actions must prove it. #SOTCSD

My administration will ensure accountability by working with the Council to implement the independent police review commission that will address allegations of misconduct. We will continually evaluate and update the @SanDiegoPD policies to ensure they reflect our values. #SOTCSD

I have begun building up the new Office of Race and Equity at City Hall, working alongside @CD4Monica and with input from social justice leaders. This office is positioned to ensure that everything we do at the City is viewed through the lens of equity. #SOTCSD

This year, I will be establishing a Climate Equity Fund to pay for sustainability projects in historically underserved communities. These investments will help improve environmental health while supporting the City’s Climate Action Plan. #SOTCSD

We must do more to fully and faithfully enact our landmark Climate Action Plan. The first step is to update it. We have learned so much over the last several years. We will use these lessons to set aggressive new goals and implement strategies to achieve them. #SOTCSD

This year, construction will ramp up on our Pure Water project, the largest water recycling program in CA and the City’s biggest infrastructure project in its history. It will create thousands of good-paying jobs and will provide 1/3 of our drinking water when completed. #SOTCSD

Our relationship with Baja is about so much more than trade. It's about people in two countries who are one family. For many of us, the border isn’t seen as a dividing line -- it’s a bridge that joins our two vibrant cultures. #SOTCSD

We will live up to our commitment of being a welcoming city. I am proud to partner with @vivianmorenoSD on a proposed resolution to reverse federal policies that prioritized border wall construction and limited legal immigration. #SOTCSD

Next month, we will bring a proposal to the City Council that will extend our current eviction moratorium to keep families in their homes, help folks pay their back rent, and stop small businesses from being evicted. #SOTCSD

We must come together as a community and support our small businesses. My #ShopLocalSD campaign will soon launch a new online portal to connect you with local small businesses that need customers. I ask you to buy local as much as you can. #SOTCSD

I recognize that the vast majority of businesses are doing the right thing. Many have been extraordinarily innovative to survive and, in some cases, thrive. To our local businesses: I want to be clear, I support you and we will build back better. #SOTCSD

We will not let the way we’ve always done things dictate what we do now. In this new year, with my new administration and this new City Council, we will fight for a better future. We are a big city and it’s time we started acting like one. #SOTCSD

Over the next four years, I look forward to working with people from every corner of our City to improve neighborhoods and tackle our biggest challenges. Let’s have hope. Let’s rise above being fine and dare to be great. Let’s build a San Diego #ForAllofUs. #SOTCSD