San Diego Riverbed Homeless Population Drops 23% Thanks to Cleanup and Housing Programs
The latest count by the San Diego River Park Foundation reveals a strong decline in homelessness along the San Diego Riverbed, with 195 people living there this year—down nearly 23 percent from the previous year. This significant drop comes amid intense efforts by local nonprofits and city service providers to connect unhoused individuals with resources and housing.
The San Diego River Park Foundation’s Clean River Program has been operating daily to both clean trash and build links between people experiencing homelessness and essential service providers. Rachel Downing, Clean River Program Manager, emphasized the importance of balancing environmental health with compassion.
“If we want a healthy river, we have to make sure that nobody’s living down here and disposing of their waste down here. However, we understand that everybody experiencing homelessness is living in a different situation, and they deserve our respect because they’re part of our community,” said Downing.
The Foundation’s census, which spans from Ocean Beach to Santee, provides vital data to inform policy makers and allocate resources. One key partner, the nonprofit PATH, sends outreach workers into the riverbed daily to assist individuals in securing housing.
Jayna Lee, PATH’s Associate Director of Programs, shared the impact their efforts have made over the past year. “We’ve helped to permanently house 71 people from the riverbed,” Lee stated, adding that more have found temporary housing. She cautioned, however, that these counts can miss some individuals and that the homeless population shifts throughout the year.
Coalition Launches Campaign Against Offshore Drilling Amid Environmental Concerns
On another front, a coalition of environmental groups and elected officials in California has launched a campaign to halt plans for new offshore oil drilling. Spearheaded by the Sierra Club and Wildcoast, the campaign features billboards depicting oil rigs at sunset with the stark warning: “Enjoy your sunset stop offshore drilling.”
The groups warn that offshore drilling threatens marine ecosystems and coastal economies. Capt. Russell D. Moore, who operates whale and dolphin watching tours, explained the human cost of potential oil spills — including devastating industry shutdowns affecting fishing and tourism jobs.
“A complete die off that would threaten to close industries that depend on daily activity,” said Moore. “Sport fishing boats don’t go out on Saturday. Sunday, they go out seven days a week to pay the crew and their families.”
The plan for expanded drilling was announced by the federal government last fall, putting the California coastline and its roughly $15 billion coastal economy at risk.
San Diego County Voters Poised for Governance Reforms This November
Meanwhile in local government, San Diego County voters could face a pivotal ballot measure this November that would overhaul county governance. The proposal, advanced by County Board Chair Terra Lawson-Remer and allies, seeks to increase supervisors’ term limits from two to three four-year terms and introduce greater public accountability in hiring and firing top officials.
The reforms would establish new supervisor-appointed positions focused on auditing and budget analysis and create a new county ethics commission. Supporters claim the changes provide more experienced leadership, while opponents accuse proponents of self-interest.
The Board is expected to take a second vote on the measure in mid-May, which would send it directly to voters this fall.
From Symphony to French Horn Maker: A Musician’s Unique Retirement Journey
In a lighter human interest story, longtime San Diego Symphony French Horn player Doug Hall is now running McCracken Horns, a workshop crafting and repairing French Horns out of his El Cajon home garage. Hall’s journey blends his passion for music with craftsmanship, preserving the legacy of legendary instrument maker George McCracken.
Hall’s shop keeps alive the romantic sound of the French Horn, bringing a timeless quality to the local music scene and beyond.
What’s Next?
The continuing reduction in San Diego’s riverbed homelessness signals progress but also highlights ongoing challenges in securing stable housing for vulnerable populations. Watch for updates on how local government plans to use census data and collaborate with nonprofits to build on this momentum.
Meanwhile, the offshore drilling debate and San Diego County governance reforms both promise to shape the region’s future with major decisions expected later this year. Residents and policymakers alike keenly watch these developments unfold.
