Ending domestic violence

Dear Friend,

I’m back in Washington, D.C. for votes this week, but wanted to share what I was up to in San Diego last week – from improving domestic violence prevention to visiting local businesses to taking steps to end our homelessness crisis.

Domestic Violence Prevention Roundtable

Domestic violence is more common than we think – 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience violence by their partner at some point during their life. Domestic violence can happen to anyone, and it happens in every community, including ours. Too often, elected officials don’t hear survivors’ stories enough – but to see change, we need to make their voices heard, empower survivors to share their experiences, and ensure the organizations leading on these issues have the tools they need.

That’s why I hosted a conversation with community leaders, local organizations, and survivors to discuss how we can expand and support domestic violence prevention and treatment services in San Diego. It takes so much strength to share personal experiences with abuse, and I’m so grateful for everyone who was so open with me and for all their work to support survivors in our community.

El Cajon Business Tour

I love visiting small businesses in our community and getting to know the amazing folks behind their operations.

That’s why, last week, I was excited to join the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce to pop into some local businesses and share how my office can be a resource to them. Thanks to Cafe Bella, Main Street Donuts & Deli, Burning Beard Brewing, and Momma Pots for welcoming me in! Be sure to check them out yourself!

Little Saigon Business Tour

Every neighborhood in San Diego has its own unique personality and history – that’s part of what makes San Diego such a special, amazing place to live, work, and raise a family. So I was glad to stop into a few small businesses in the Little Saigon Cultural and Commercial District, like A-Chau Restaurant, Viet Pharmacy & Medical Supplies, Minh Ky Restaurant, and Viet Nail Supply.

I recently secured $250,000 in federal funding to revitalize the Little Saigon District and help turn places that are often overlooked – like the area next to streets and sidewalks – into mini-parks and community spaces. I’m excited to see how this funding will make Little Saigon into a more vibrant, thriving, and tight-knit community.

Grantville Safe Parking Site

In addition to funding for the Little Saigon District, I also secured federal funding for more than a dozen other local projects (totalling $13.5 million this year!) – including $1.2 million to build and maintain an overnight parking lot in Grantville for unhoused people living in their cars. These safe parking sites provide a secure place for people to sleep while providing critical wraparound services to help them find reliable, permanent housing. It was great to visit the site at Grantville and see all the plans they have to help people.