How Kevin Faulconer Made San Diego America's Safest Big City

Guest:

Former Mayor Kevin Faulconer

Guest Bio: 

Kevin Faulconer is an American politician and businessman, best known for serving as the 36th Mayor of San Diego from 2014 to 2020. During his tenure, he was known for taking bold action on homelessness, public safety, and civic infrastructure. A Republican who won in a majority Democratic city, Faulconer brings a unique perspective on leadership, compromise, and what it really takes to fix California’s biggest challenges.

Show Summary

Can California be saved from one-party rule, rising homelessness, and growing voter frustration? Former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer thinks so — but only with action, not rhetoric. In this energizing episode, Faulconer shares how he successfully reduced homelessness in San Diego through shelter expansion, enforcement, and compassion. He also weighs in on the controversial Prop 50, warning of its dangerous attempt to reverse independent redistricting and hand power back to politicians.

From Reagan’s leadership legacy to practical advice for big city mayors, this conversation offers a roadmap for restoring fairness, competition, and common sense in California politics.

Chapters

 00:00 – Why Prop 50 Is a Power Grab
 01:10 – The Importance of Fair Redistricting
 02:30 – What Happens Without Competitive Elections
 04:35 – How Faulconer Tackled Homelessness
 06:30 – The Need for Intervention & Shelter
 08:05 – Why Other Cities Won’t Act
 09:15 – How Public Safety Ties to Homelessness
 11:15 – Advice for Republicans in Blue Cities
 13:15 – Bias Toward Action vs. Rhetoric
 15:00 – Collaborating with Federal Government
 16:15 – 2026 Election Lessons from the Recall
 17:40 – Pep Talk to Statewide Republican Candidates
 19:10 – What Gives Him Hope for California

Connect with Kevin

X:https://x.com/Kevin_Faulconer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinfaulconer/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-faulconer/

Website: https://www.sdlincolnclub.com/

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