Written Communications – PC
Shelton – Received 8/7/2026
Dear City Clerk,
Please accept the following e-comment for the August 11, 2026, Chula Vista City Council meeting under General Public Comment.
Mayor McCann and Members of the City Council,
I respectfully urge the City Council to continue strengthening transparency and public accountability regarding the City’s use of artificial intelligence (AI), automated license plate reader (ALPR), and other advanced surveillance technologies.
Over the past several months, I have submitted numerous California Public Records Act requests seeking records concerning surveillance technologies used by the City. These requests have highlighted the importance of proactive transparency whenever government agencies deploy technologies capable of collecting, analyzing, or sharing information about members of the public.
Communities across the country are actively reviewing AI-enabled surveillance systems as the technology rapidly evolves. Public confidence depends not only on whether these systems are effective, but also on whether they are subject to meaningful oversight, clear policies, and transparent governance.
Chula Vista has taken an important step by establishing the Privacy Protections and Technology Advisory Commission. I encourage the City Council to continue building on that commitment by directing staff and the Commission to review and recommend additional transparency measures, including:
• Publishing a public inventory of surveillance technologies used by the City. • Issuing annual transparency and audit reports.
• Publishing data retention and deletion policies.
• Providing information regarding interagency data-sharing agreements. • Conducting and publishing privacy impact assessments for new AI-enabled technologies whenever appropriate.
• Providing public notice when significant surveillance capabilities or policies change.
Transparency promotes public trust while allowing the City to continue pursuing legitimate public safety objectives. I appreciate the Council’s commitment to responsible technology governance and open government.
Written Communications – PC
Shelton – Received 8/7/2026
Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully,
Jeff Shelton
Chula Vista Resident