San Diego Public Advocate Shane Harris

Your voice in the public square. | Elevating concerns. Challenging systems. Advancing solutions. | Led by @shaneharrisnow | Para todos. Por todos.

[Shane Rashad Harris @shaneharrisnow]

LIVE: Public Advocate Shane Harris Leads Bipartisan Coalition Against SDG&E’s Proposed 8.6% Rate Hike https://t.co/8P6a8f7Mny

[Shane Rashad Harris @shaneharrisnow]

Today I declared October 2026 as Down Syndrome Awareness Month across San Diego County through the Office of the San Diego Public Advocate.

It was a special morning welcoming dozens of students, families, and community advocates to my offices in Downtown La Mesa to celebrate the abilities, achievements, and contributions of individuals with Down syndrome.

I was especially proud to honor Miriam’s World and Uneway Inc. for their commitment to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Hearing directly from students about their experiences reminded us why inclusion, opportunity, and dignity matter.

We also took a moment to honor the life of my dear friend and civil rights icon Dolores Huerta, whose passing today is deeply personal after more than a decade of working together for justice.

Thank you to everyone who joined us. Today was a reminder that every voice matters, every life has value, and everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive.

#downsyndromeawarenessmonth #sandiegopublicadvocate #inclusion

[Shane Rashad Harris @shaneharrisnow]

LIVE: Public Advocate Shane Harris Declares Down Syndrome Awareness Month & Honors Civil Rights Icon Dolores Huerta https://t.co/OQfirdZWX8

[Shane Rashad Harris @shaneharrisnow]

My friend and a fighter Dolores Huerta has passed away.

I have issued the following statement:

“Today, America has lost one of the greatest freedom fighters this nation has ever known, and I have lost a dear friend and fellow champion for justice.

Dolores Huerta was not simply someone I admired from a distance. She was someone I marched with, organized with, and had the extraordinary privilege of calling a friend.

We stood together in the Fight for $15, for labor rights, for voting rights, and for the dignity of working people. I had the honor of bringing her to San Diego twice in 2025 and 2026 to engage and empower young people in conversations about voting rights and the responsibility of the next generation to carry forward the civil rights movement.

Dolores believed in the power of young people, in the strength of our communities, and in the idea that ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary change when we organize.

Her legacy will live on in every person who refuses to accept injustice, in every worker who demands respect, in every young person who uses their voice, and in every community that continues to fight for a more just and equitable future.

Rest in power, my friend. Thank you for everything you gave this country, everything you taught my generation, and everything you gave me personally.

¡Sí Se Puede! Always.”

[San Diego Public Advocate Shane Harris @SDPAOffice]

@shaneharrisnow

[San Diego Public Advocate Shane Harris @SDPAOffice]

On Wednesday, Public Advocate Shane Harris presented his boardwalk safety proposal to the Pacific Beach Town Council, calling for a 30-day safety assessment.

📍 NEXT: PB Planning Group’s Streets & Sidewalks Committee | Oct. 28, 6 PM.

#BoardwalkSafety #PacificBeach

[San Diego Public Advocate Shane Harris @SDPAOffice]

Today, I called in to support Bethany Bezak’s appointment as San Diego’s Chief Operating Officer and urged the City Council to approve it. With her confirmation now complete, I’m hopeful this restores the operational leadership City Hall needs to better deliver for San Diego.

[San Diego Public Advocate Shane Harris @SDPAOffice]

🌊 SAFER BOARDWALKS. STRONGER COMMUNITIES.

📢 Join San Diego Public Advocate Shane Harris as he presents his proposed boardwalk safety plan at the Pacific Beach Town Council!

📅 Oct. 21 | 6 PM
📍 Crown Point Junior Music Academy

PB residents & businesses: YOUR VOICE MATTERS!

[San Diego Public Advocate Shane Harris @SDPAOffice]

SAN DIEGO COUNTY MADE HISTORY! 🇺🇸🇵🇷🌎

On Sept. 30, under Public Advocate Shane Harris’ leadership, 21 Hispanic heritage flags rose together in Chula Vista, each honored with a ceremonial bell. 🔔

A countywide celebration of culture and unity!

21 BANDERAS. UNA HERENCIA. ❤️

[Shane Rashad Harris @shaneharrisnow]

WE DIDN’T JUST CELEBRATE HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH. WE MADE HISTORY. 🇵🇷🇲🇽🌎🔔

As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close today, I’m reflecting on a moment that will forever be part of San Diego County’s story. ¡Hicimos historia juntos!

On September 30, at my direction, San Diego County made history as we brought together all 21 Hispanic heritage flags for a historic countywide flag-raising ceremony in Chula Vista. One by one, each flag rose with the ringing of a ceremonial bell, honoring 21 distinct histories, cultures and communities before they all stood together above Third Avenue.

21 banderas. 21 momentos. Una herencia.

As a proud Afro-Latino with roots in San Juan, Puerto Rico, this was deeply personal. 🇵🇷 I wanted our children, our families and future generations to look up and see themselves, their ancestors and their heritage represented. Porque nuestra historia importa. Nuestra cultura importa.

What made this moment extraordinary was the unity it inspired. State, regional and local leaders, consular representatives, cultural organizations and community voices traveled from near and far to be part of something bigger than any one of us. To every speaker, performer and leader who stood with us, muchísimas gracias.

Special gratitude to Chula Vista Mayor John McCann, Vicky Hernandez and Illusion Hall for helping give this vision a home, and to Gomez Trial Attorneys, Peterson’s Donut Corner and everyone who helped turn an idea into history.

As we close Hispanic Heritage Month, my message is simple: Our heritage deserves more than recognition for one month. It deserves visibility, respect and celebration every day of the year.

The flags may have been raised on September 30, but the legacy we began building will carry far beyond September.

This wasn’t just a ceremony. It was the beginning of a tradition. Esto apenas comienza.

21 FLAGS. ONE HERITAGE.
21 BANDERAS. UNA HERENCIA. ❤️🌎

¡Que viva nuestra herencia! 🇵🇷🇲🇽🇨🇴🇩🇴🇪🇸

[Shane Rashad Harris @shaneharrisnow]

WE DIDN’T JUST CELEBRATE HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH. WE MADE HISTORY. 🇵🇷🇲🇽🌎🔔

As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close today, I’m reflecting on a moment that will forever be part of San Diego County’s story. ¡Hicimos historia juntos!

On September 30, at my direction, San Diego County made history as we brought together all 21 Hispanic heritage flags for a historic countywide flag-raising ceremony in Chula Vista. One by one, each flag rose with the ringing of a ceremonial bell, honoring 21 distinct histories, cultures and communities before they all stood together above Third Avenue.

21 banderas. 21 momentos. Una herencia.

As a proud Afro-Latino with roots in San Juan, Puerto Rico, this was deeply personal. 🇵🇷 I wanted our children, our families and future generations to look up and see themselves, their ancestors and their heritage represented. Porque nuestra historia importa. Nuestra cultura importa.

What made this moment extraordinary was the unity it inspired. State, regional and local leaders, consular representatives, cultural organizations and community voices traveled from near and far to be part of something bigger than any one of us. To every speaker, performer and leader who stood with us, muchísimas gracias.

Special gratitude to Chula Vista Mayor John McCann, Vicky Hernandez and Illusion Hall for helping give this vision a home, and to Gomez Trial Attorneys, Peterson’s Donut Corner and everyone who helped turn an idea into history.

As we close Hispanic Heritage Month, my message is simple: Our heritage deserves more than recognition for one month. It deserves visibility, respect and celebration every day of the year.

The flags may have been raised on September 30, but the legacy we began building will carry far beyond September.

This wasn’t just a ceremony. It was the beginning of a tradition. Esto apenas comienza.

21 FLAGS. ONE HERITAGE.
21 BANDERAS. UNA HERENCIA. ❤️🌎

¡Que viva nuestra herencia! 🇵🇷🇲🇽🇨🇴🇩🇴🇪🇸

[San Diego Public Advocate Shane Harris @SDPAOffice]

🚨 SAN DIEGO COUNTY PUBLIC ADVOCATE STORM ALERT 🌧️

Starting with the City of San Diego! 📍 Swipe for storm resources, sandbag locations & safety tips. ¡Prepárense!

Next: Alerts for all 19 cities countywide. ¡La seguridad no tiene fronteras! Stay safe! ¡Cuídense!

[Shane Rashad Harris @shaneharrisnow]

When public support for war begins to weaken, leadership must respond with truth not with images of American cities being destroyed to frighten people into compliance.

San Diego is not a symbol to be used in a campaign of fear. It is home to families, workers, veterans, service members and children whose lives carry dignity and worth in America. A government must never ask its people to accept economic suffering at home while using fear to silence legitimate questions about war abroad.

If this war is just, make the case with the truth. If it is necessary, explain the sacrifice. But do not manipulate fear to manufacture consent.

America is strongest when its people are informed, not frightened; united by truth, not driven by fear.

[Shane Rashad Harris @shaneharrisnow]

Tonight, President Trump invoked San Diego while making his case for the war in Iran. Moments ago I issued this statement:

At a time when working families across America are struggling to afford groceries, housing and the basic necessities of life, our nation should not be governed by fear.

When public support for war begins to weaken, leadership must respond with truth not with images of American cities being destroyed to frighten people into compliance.

San Diego is not a symbol to be used in a campaign of fear. It is home to families, workers, veterans, service members and children whose lives carry dignity and worth in America.

A government must never ask its people to accept economic suffering at home while using fear to silence legitimate questions about war abroad.

If this war is just, make the case with the truth. If it is necessary, explain the sacrifice. But do not manipulate fear to manufacture consent.

America is strongest when its people are informed, not frightened; united by truth, not driven by fear.

— Shane Harris
National Civil Rights Activist & San Diego Public Advocate

[San Diego Public Advocate Shane Harris @SDPAOffice]

🔥🔥🔥

[Shane Rashad Harris @shaneharrisnow]

Today we made history. Hoy hicimos historia.

For the first time in San Diego County and at my direction, 21 Hispanic heritage flags were raised together in one ceremony — one by one, with a ceremonial bell honoring each heritage. 21 banderas. 21 momentos. Una herencia. 🔔

As an Afro-Latino with Puerto Rican roots, this moment carried a special pride for me. Seeing our cultures, our histories and our people represented together was deeply personal. Mi cultura. Mi herencia. Mi orgullo. 🇵🇷❤️

What made today even more powerful was seeing state, regional and local leaders, consular and cultural representatives, business leaders and community voices come from near and far to stand with us. To every speaker and leader who showed up and shared in this historic moment — muchísimas gracias.

A special thank you to Chula Vista Mayor John McCann and Vicky Hernandez & Illusion Hall for creating space for this vision, and to Gomez Trial Attorneys and Peterson’s Donut Corner for helping us bring it to life.

This was bigger than flags. Esto fue representación, cultura, comunidad y orgullo.

What began as a vision is now history — and hopefully, the beginning of a new tradition.

21 FLAGS. ONE HERITAGE. | 21 BANDERAS. UNA HERENCIA.

#hispanicheritage #chulavista #sandiegocounty #21banderas

[San Diego Public Advocate Shane Harris @SDPAOffice]

@shaneharrisnow 🔥🔥🔥

[Shane Rashad Harris @shaneharrisnow]

Today we made history. Hoy hicimos historia.

For the first time in San Diego County and at my direction, 21 Hispanic heritage flags were raised together in one ceremony — one by one, with a ceremonial bell honoring each heritage. 21 banderas. 21 momentos. Una herencia. 🔔

As an Afro-Latino with Puerto Rican roots, this moment carried a special pride for me. Seeing our cultures, our histories and our people represented together was deeply personal. Mi cultura. Mi herencia. Mi orgullo. 🇵🇷❤️

What made today even more powerful was seeing state, regional and local leaders, consular and cultural representatives, business leaders and community voices come from near and far to stand with us. To every speaker and leader who showed up and shared in this historic moment — muchísimas gracias.

A special thank you to Chula Vista Mayor John McCann and Vicky Hernandez & Illusion Hall for creating space for this vision, and to Gomez Trial Attorneys and Peterson’s Donut Corner for helping us bring it to life.

This was bigger than flags. Esto fue representación, cultura, comunidad y orgullo.

What began as a vision is now history — and hopefully, the beginning of a new tradition.

21 FLAGS. ONE HERITAGE. | 21 BANDERAS. UNA HERENCIA.

#hispanicheritage #chulavista #sandiegocounty #21banderas

[San Diego Public Advocate Shane Harris @SDPAOffice]

👇👇👇👇

[Shane Rashad Harris @shaneharrisnow]

🔴 LIVE: Historic 21-Flag Hispanic Heritage Month Raising Ceremony | San Diego County Makes History https://t.co/z0ykrIbqC3

[Shane Rashad Harris @shaneharrisnow]

Watch LIVE now as county and state leaders as well as Consulate offices join me for a historic 21 flags of Hispanic Heritage Flag Raising Ceremony in San Diego County! 👇

[San Diego Public Advocate Shane Harris @SDPAOffice]

🔥🔥🔥

[Shane Rashad Harris @shaneharrisnow]

Next week, a vision becomes history in San Diego County when 20 Hispanic country flags and the territory of Puerto Rico’s flag will be raised in one flag raising ceremony for Hispanic heritage month. 🌎🔔

I wanted to create a moment where people from across our region could look up and see their heritage represented. On September 30, all 21 Hispanic heritage flags will rise during one flag-raising ceremony for the first time in county history each receiving its own moment of recognition before all 21 fly together.

As an Afro-Latino with family roots in San Juan, Puerto Rico, I’m proud to bring this moment to life here in San Diego County.

And we’re making it a celebration! 🎉 FREE donuts from Peterson’s Donut Corner 🍩, community leaders, consular representatives, elected officials and more will join us as we celebrate the cultures, histories and people behind these 21 flags.

Come be part of the moment.

21 FLAGS. ONE HERITAGE.
21 BANDERAS. UNA HERENCIA.

📍 Illusion Hall | Chula Vista
📅 Wednesday, Sept. 30 | 9:30 AM
🍩 FREE Peterson’s Donuts
🎟️ Free & open to the community

¡Hagamos historia juntos! 🇵🇷🇲🇽🇨🇴🇩🇴🇪🇸🌎

RSVP: [email protected]

BE THERE!

[Shane Rashad Harris @shaneharrisnow]

Next week, a vision becomes history in San Diego County when 20 Hispanic country flags and the territory of Puerto Rico’s flag will be raised in one flag raising ceremony for Hispanic heritage month. 🌎🔔

I wanted to create a moment where people from across our region could look up and see their heritage represented. On September 30, all 21 Hispanic heritage flags will rise during one flag-raising ceremony for the first time in county history each receiving its own moment of recognition before all 21 fly together.

As an Afro-Latino with family roots in San Juan, Puerto Rico, I’m proud to bring this moment to life here in San Diego County.

And we’re making it a celebration! 🎉 FREE donuts from Peterson’s Donut Corner 🍩, community leaders, consular representatives, elected officials and more will join us as we celebrate the cultures, histories and people behind these 21 flags.

Come be part of the moment.

21 FLAGS. ONE HERITAGE.
21 BANDERAS. UNA HERENCIA.

📍 Illusion Hall | Chula Vista
📅 Wednesday, Sept. 30 | 9:30 AM
🍩 FREE Peterson’s Donuts
🎟️ Free & open to the community

¡Hagamos historia juntos! 🇵🇷🇲🇽🇨🇴🇩🇴🇪🇸🌎

RSVP: [email protected]

BE THERE!