1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Mayor Gloria, As a downtown homeowner, I am deeply concerned by the open drug dealing and public drug use around the Park & Market Trolley stop and nearby East Village blocks. This activity disturbs the peace, intimidates riders, residents, and visitors, and undermines the quality of life that families, workers, and small businesses deserve. Recent law-enforcement action confirms this is not anecdotal. In February 2026, authorities announced 34 indictments tied to open-air drug sales in East Village after a two-month operation, with officials specifically citing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and crack cocaine sales in neighborhood hotspots. San Diego’s police chief said residents had long asked for more enforcement and that open drug use and narcotics sales were occurring where children and families walked every day. Downtown’s own civic and business leadership has also warned that rampant drug use, drug sales, and behavioral-health episodes on downtown sidewalks require dedicated resources because public safety and cleanliness are essential to downtown’s economic vitality. I urge the City to work closely with the District Attorney’s Office, SDPD, MTS, and other partners to continue strong Proposition 36 enforcement in this area. Proposition 36 took effect on December 18, 2024, and San Diego County reports it has moved quickly to implement the law with a treatment-focused system alongside accountability. Please restore order, safety, and confidence at Park & Market and throughout East Village.