The San Diego Police Department will begin an enforcement effort this weekend in the Gaslamp Quarter dubbed “Operation Last Call,” which officials said “aims to restore order and address problems before they escalate into violence.” The “high visibility” operation will include increas ed police presence that “will continue until there is a notable reduction in violence and illegal behavior in the Gaslamp,” according to a city statement. “There will be a zero-tolerance posture toward unlawful activity,” city officials said. Along with more officers on foot patrol, Operation Last Call will feature “dedicated tactical units, strict enforcement of public consumption and disorderly conduct laws and immediate intervention in active disputes,” according to the city. SDPD Chief Scott Wahl said there has been “an increase in violence and lawlessness (that) threatens our residents and our officers.” “Enough is enough,” Wahl said. “Our focus is to ensure the Gaslamp remains a safe, vibrant place for residents and visitors. We will be adding the staffing and resources necessary to ensure that happens.” “We want everyone coming to the Gaslamp to have a great time and enjoy the best of what San Diego has to offer,” Wahl added. Recent unruly behavior in the Gaslamp Quarter This past Sunday around 1 a.m., five people were arrested after multiple fights broke out near Fifth Avenue and F Street in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, prompting police officers to deploy pepper spray as they tried to control the crowds. Videos of that confrontation circulated on social media throughout the week. The chaos unfolded outside Tacos El Gordo, a popular Mexican restaurant at the intersection. The incident was the second time in several months that multiple fights broke out at the location as crowds converged after bars closed. Related stories Gaslamp Quarter Aug 24 Video shows officers use pepper spray to control unruly crowd in Gaslamp Quarter San Diego 7 hours ago San Diego Police announces new police enforcement plan for Gaslamp Quarter Gaslamp Quarter Aug 24 Gaslamp Quarter fights lead to 5 arrests, police pepper spray Gaslamp Quarter 19 hours ago Law enforcement searching for solutions to Gaslamp Quarter chaos Data on disorderly conduct in the Gaslamp Quarter In 2025, the Gaslamp Quarter “recorded three times the number of disorderly conduct cases of Pacific Beach, one of San Diego’s other nightlife hubs,” according to the city. “Officers routinely respond to rowdy crowds, extreme levels of intoxication and physical fights.” According to the city, assaults on SDPD officers patrolling in the Gaslamp have also increased by 172% over the past two years. Mayor Todd Gloria said the Gaslamp Quarter “is an iconic part of San Diego where people should be able to enjoy themselves, businesses should be able to succeed and our police officers should be able to do their jobs safely.” “I support Chief Wahl and the San Diego Police Department’s efforts to address illegal and dangerous behavior by those who put others at risk in this important commercial and tourist district,”  Gloria added. Gloria said city government is working to improve conditions in the Gaslamp “because keeping downtown safe, clean and vibrant requires all of us to do our part.” Marni von Wilpert, San Diego City Council member, described recent violent incidents in the Gaslamp as “completely unacceptable.” “Let us all do our part to bring civility and the values of our community to everything we do, and keep public safety our highest priority,” said Von Wilpert, who chairs the Public Safety Committee and is seeking the 48th Congressional District seat. Councilman Stephen Whitburn, whose district includes the Gaslamp, credited Gloria and Wahl “for acting quickly to address these recent incidents with Operation Last Call.” Because more people are living in, visiting and enjoying downtown, it’s vital to keep the region safe, Whitburn said. Robert Logan, chief of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, said he and his colleagues fully support the new law enforcement effort as a way to also ensure first responders can help those experiencing a medical emergency. “Crowding around an emergency scene, blocked access and violent behavior can delay emergency care and place both the person needing help and first responders at greater risk,” Logan said. “To reach patients quickly and work safely, our crews need clear access and enough room to do their jobs.” Betsy Brennan, president and CEO of the Downtown San Diego Partnership, said the area “deserves to feel safe and welcoming at all hours of the day and night.” “Our safety ambassadors will continue to provide a visible presence throughout the community,” Brennan said. She added her organization’s staff and board will “continue working alongside the city and public safety partners on the immediate and sustained action necessary to keep the Gaslamp and all of downtown safe, welcoming and vibrant.” ...read more read less