As part of a coordinated, multi-department approach to improve safety and cleanliness in the Gaslamp Quarter, the City of San Diego has deployed teams to address illegal activity and other issues that may impact the experience for San Diegans and visitors.

The Gaslamp Quarter is one of Southern California’s most popular destinations for performances, sporting events, restaurants, nightlife and a host of many other activities. Over the past year, reports of violence and unlawful behavior have increased. In response, the City is committing resources to address large crowds, trash and debris removal, street and sidewalk conditions, and support local businesses to maintain a safe and clean environment for everyone.

“For more than 150 years, the Gaslamp Quarter has been at the heart of San Diego — and we have a responsibility to make sure it remains a place people want to visit, businesses want to invest and San Diegans are proud of,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “That starts with making sure people feel safe and welcome here. We’ve heard the concerns from residents and businesses, and the City is responding with a coordinated effort to improve public safety, cleanliness and the overall condition of the neighborhood. My goal is a Gaslamp that honors its history while continuing to thrive for generations to come. People should see and feel a difference on our streets, and we will keep working with our partners until they do.”

On Aug. 28, the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) launched Operational Last Call, increasing high-visibility law enforcement patrols and undercover operations on Friday and Saturday nights to help prevent violence and unlawful behavior. Since launching, Operation Last Call has resulted in 76 arrests, 102 citations and the recovery of five firearms. SDPD will continue the increased police presence for as long as necessary to keep the Gaslamp safe and enjoyable for everyone.

In addition to the law enforcement patrols, crews from the City’s Transportation Department are refreshing street and sidewalk markings to improve safety and accessibility for vehicles and pedestrians. Over the next two weeks, teams will be working in the afternoons and overnight on 4th, 5th and 6th avenues between Broadway and L Street to repaint faded curbs and crosswalks, and to replace broken or faded signs.

Additional street sweeping has helped address trash and debris accumulation following busy nights in the Gaslamp. Through a six-week pilot program, the City temporarily added another day of street sweeping on Saturday mornings. Previously, street sweeping was conducted twice per week Monday through Friday.

“Keeping the Gaslamp Quarter safe and welcoming requires a coordinated effort. I appreciate Mayor Gloria, San Diego Police Chief Wahl, and our City staff for increasing enforcement, improving street conditions and working directly with local businesses,” said Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, who represents the Gaslamp Quarter. “These steps will help ensure everyone can safely enjoy one of San Diego’s most vibrant neighborhoods.”

In July, the City implemented designated rideshare pickup locations to help alleviate crowding, improve pedestrian safety, maintain emergency access and reduce traffic congestion following events and at closing time for bars and restaurants. These locations are outside a geofenced area on 5th Avenue between Market and E streets on Friday and Saturday nights, and were determined in coordination with rideshare companies Lyft and Uber.

Collaboration with local businesses is critical to address some of the ongoing challenges in the Gaslamp Quarter. This includes working with law enforcement to review bar and restaurant operating hours, and addressing patrons being overserved alcohol.

It also includes City teams identifying vacant businesses and those with dangerous or unpermitted structures. Code compliance officers are addressing waste-related code violations, including dumpsters, trash and debris left on streets within the Gaslamp Quarter. Citations may be issued to businesses that refuse to come into compliance with City laws.

“We are encouraged and grateful for the City’s renewed coordination and focus on making the Gaslamp Quarter safer, cleaner and more welcoming,” said Betsy Brennan, President & CEO of the Downtown San Diego Partnership. “While there is still work to be done, we are already seeing a difference. The Downtown San Diego Partnership Clean & Safe ambassadors continue to provide enhanced cleaning and safety services, and we look forward to working more closely with the City, the San Diego Police Department, and the community to build on this progress and keep the Gaslamp and Downtown vibrant.”

The City will continue working with businesses and community partners to evaluate these efforts and identify additional steps to improve safety, cleanliness and the overall experience in the Gaslamp.