Dear Mayor Faulconer and City Councilmembers,

Thank you for making San Diego a Vision Zero city! That is the first step in stopping the senseless, preventable deaths and injuries that plague our streets. Each year, thousands of men, women and children are killed or seriously injured in San Diego as a result of traffic violence. That's why your decision to become a Vision Zero is so important.

We all know it’s going to take a lot of hard work and a significant financial commitment to reduce traffic injuries and eventually eliminate all traffic fatalities. The time to start that hard work is now.

I am urging you to allocate enough money in San Diego’s budget to fund the necessary street improvements, public awareness and education programs, and law enforcement activity that will put an end to dangerous behavior and save lives. I know we can’t improve every street, but let’s fix the most dangerous ones, and let’s start now.

As you decide what goes into the budget, I am asking you to make street safety and saving lives a top priority. The cost, in both dollars and lost lives is too great.

I urge you to work with your colleagues and City staff to implement Vision Zero and start saving lives in San Diego this year.