District 1 News

La Jolla Embraces “Safe Place” Initiative

Beginning this month, La Jolla merchants will be proudly displaying “Safe Place” decals as part of the San Diego Police Department’s citywide “Safe Place” initiative. This program identifies establishments as a safe place for individuals who feel threatened or are victims of hate crimes or harassment and include a QR code linking to educational materials.

Thank you to Natasha Wong, the La Jolla Village Merchants Association, and SDPD for helping bring this program to District 1. I also want to thank the Honorable Tom Hom, the first Asian American elected to the San Diego City Council and second elected to the California State Legislature, for speaking on the importance of this program.

Racism and discrimination are not bound by political or physical boundaries and I am proud of La Jolla merchants that are joining others across our City in support of the Safe Space program. Anyone who wishes to acquire a decal please contact Sergeant Lem Sainsanoy at 该Email地址已收到反垃圾邮件插件保护。要显示它您需要在浏览器中启用JavaScript。 or our office.

Decals helping to identify local businesses as a safe place for victims of hate crimes or harassment have been introduced in La Jolla.

In a press conference Wednesday, San Diego City Councilmember Joe LaCava introduced the stickers that will be on display at participating establishments in the coastal neighborhood. They will show support to protect members of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, especially after reports of hate crimes against them have spiked in the last year.

It’s a simple and easy decal that shows everyone, you are welcome here,” said Natasha Wong, President of Balboa Park’s House of China. “And it’s a resource to report hate and discrimination.”

The program originated in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. With more hate crimes targeting AAPI residents, Council Member LaCava said he wanted those members to know they are also protected.