THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
OF
MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2025
AT 10:00 AM
IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS – 12TH FLOOR
Table of Contents
CHRONOLOGY OF THE MEETING ......................................................................2 ATTENDANCE DURING THE MEETING ...............................................................2 ROLL CALL....................................................................................................2 INVOCATION ................................................................................................3 LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ............................................................................3 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ................................................................................3 CLOSED SESSION..........................................................................................3 NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT .....................................................................7 MAYOR, COUNCIL, CITY ATTORNEY, IBA, CITY CLERK COMMENT .........................9 Item 200: Renewal of the Downtown Property and Business Improvement District .................................................................................................................10 Item 201: City-owned Real Property at Sports Arena Boulevard (Midway Site) ....11 Item 202: Appeal of the Adelante Townhomes Project, Project No. 1073585 .......12 Item S400: Proposed Parking Meter Fee Increase............................................14 REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION ............................................................15 ADJOURNMENT............................................................................................15 Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, January 27, 2025
CHRONOLOGY OF THE MEETING
The meeting was called to order by Council President LaCava at 10:18 a.m. Council President Pro Tem Lee arrived to the meeting at 10:20 a.m. The meeting was recessed by Council President LaCava at 10:49 a.m. into Closed Session to be reconvened at 2:00 p.m.
The meeting was reconvened by Council President LaCava at 2:14 p.m. with Councilmember Foster and Councilmember Moreno not present. Councilmember Foster arrived to the meeting at 2:16 p.m. Councilmember Moreno arrived to the meeting at 2:30 p.m. Council President LaCava recessed the meeting at 4:45 p.m. for the purpose of a break. Council President LaCava reconvened the meeting at 4:48 p.m. with all Councilmembers present. Councilmember Campbell left the meeting at 5:19 p.m. The meeting was adjourned by Council President LaCava at 5:31 p.m.
ATTENDANCE DURING THE MEETING
PRESENT:
CD-1 Council President Joe LaCava
CD-2 Councilmember Jennifer Campbell
CD-3 Councilmember Stephen Whitburn
CD-4 Councilmember Henry L. Foster III
CD-5 Councilmember Marni von Wilpert
CD-6 Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee
CD-7 Councilmember Raul A. Campillo
CD-8 Councilmember Vivian Moreno
CD-9 Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera
ABSENT:
None.
CITY CLERK:
Fuentes (km)
ROLL CALL
(1) Council President LaCava-present
(2) Councilmember Campbell-present
(3) Councilmember Whitburn-present
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, January 27, 2025
(4) Councilmember Foster-present
(5) Councilmember von Wilpert-present
(6) Council President Pro Tem Lee-not present
(7) Councilmember Campillo-present
(8) Councilmember Moreno-present
(9) Councilmember Elo-Rivera-present
INVOCATION
The invocation was given by City Clerk Diana J.S. Fuentes.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Statement read by Councilmember Campillo.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Campillo.
CLOSED SESSION
Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
CS-1 Guadalupe Isais v. City of San Diego
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2022-0034246-CU-PA-CTL Risk Management Department Claim File No. 29079
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2025
DCA Assigned: J. P. Pearson
This case arises from a motor vehicle collision involving a Stormwater Department vehicle that occurred on December 1, 2021, on 54th Street in San Diego. The City Attorney’s Office will update the Mayor and City Council on the status of the litigation and seek direction.
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, January 27, 2025
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 10:40 AM
Public testimony by Joy Sunyata and Lori Saldaña.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
Conference with Real Property Negotiator, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.8:
CS-2 Property: 101 Ash Street, San Diego, California
Agency Negotiator:Christina Bibler, Economic Development Director Jay Goldstone, Special Advisor to the Mayor
Casey Smith, Deputy Chief Operating Officer
Negotiating Parties: City of San Diego and (2) Affirmed Housing Group, a California
corporation; and (3) Create Dev LLC / MRK Partners Inc.
Under Negotiation: Price and payment terms for potential disposition of an interest or estate in the real property located at 101 Ash Street, San Diego, CA REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2025
SDCA Assigned: K. Reisch, Senior Deputy City Attorney
DCA Assigned: J. Gough Inman
The Council will meet with its negotiator to discuss and grant authority regarding the price and payment terms for the potential disposition of an interest or estate in the real property located at 101 Ash Street, San Diego, California.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 10:40 AM
Public testimony by Joy Sunyata and Lori Saldaña.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
CS-3 Zache St. Vil, et al. v. City of San Diego
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, January 27, 2025
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2023-00018638-CU-PO-CTL Risk Management Department Claim File No. 30724
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2025
SDCA Assigned: K. L. McGeehan
This case arises from the drowning death of 19 year old Woodlain St. Vil at Mission Beach on June 14, 2022. The City Attorney’s Office will update the Mayor and City Council on the status of the litigation and seek direction.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 10:40 AM
Public testimony by Lori Saldaña.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
CS-4 Isabella Araceli Franco v. City of San Diego, et al.
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2023-00044352-CU-PA-CTL Risk Management Department Claim File No. 33144
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2025
DCA Assigned: Z. H. Rowland
This case arises from a car accident on January 5, 2023, involving an alleged dangerous condition located at the intersection of the eastbound SR-94 offramp and Home Avenue. The City Attorney’s Office will update the Mayor and City Council on the status of the litigation and seek direction.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 10:40 AM
Public testimony by Lori Saldaña.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
CS-5 Patrice Baker, et al. v. City of San Diego
United States District Court Case No. 3:19-cv-1013-JO (DEB) Risk Management Department Claim File No. 22699
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2025
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, January 27, 2025
DCA Assigned: J. K. Goodman
This case arises from a lawsuit alleging the City and the Housing Authority are violating the Fair Housing Act and the Fair Employment and Housing Act by increasing density throughout the City when it updates its community plans. The City Attorney’s Office will update the Mayor and City Council on the status of the litigation and seek direction.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 10:40 AM
Public testimony by Joy Sunyata and Lori Saldaña.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
CS-6 Maria Natalie Brasil v. City of San Diego
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2020-00012129-CU-PO-CTL Risk Management Department Claim File No. 22859
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2025
DCA Assigned: G. D. Leasure
This case arises out of an alleged trip and fall occurring on January 10, 2019, on a City street near the intersection of Plum Avenue and Lowell Street in Point Loma.
The City Attorney’s Office will update the Mayor and City Council on the status of the litigation and seek direction.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 10:40 AM
Public testimony by Joy Sunyata and Lori Saldaña.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
PUBLIC COMMENT-1:
Nate Fairman commented on municipalization.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 4:48 PM
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, January 27, 2025
PUBLIC COMMENT-2:
Michelle Phiffer Uma Thurman Bernard commented on budget, housing, cost of living, and reinstatement social security.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 4:50 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-3:
Mason Melito commented on SeaWorld.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 4:53 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-4:
Regina De La Peña commented on SeaWorld.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 4:54 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-5:
Valerie Traina commented on SeaWorld.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 4:55 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-6:
Mary Soriano commented on City Council Gliderport Oversight Board.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 4:57 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-7 (virtual):
Lori Saldaña commented on astroturfing.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 4:59 PM
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, January 27, 2025
PUBLIC COMMENT-8 (virtual):
Becky Rapp commented on ignoring flavored tobacco bans and tobacco retailers.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:01 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-9 (virtual):
Kathleen Lippitt commented on marijuana and community health safety.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:03 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-10 (virtual):
Blair Beekman commented on San Diego’s best practices.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:05 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-11 (virtual):
John Stump commented on utility rates and mailing protests.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:07 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-12 (virtual):
Megan Stuart commented on the marijuana industry.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:09 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-13 (virtual):
Madison Rapp commented on the distribution and delivery of cannabis products.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:11 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-14 (virtual):
Joy Sunyata commented on conserving water and budget deficit.
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, January 27, 2025
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:13 PM
MAYOR, COUNCIL, CITY ATTORNEY, INDEPENDENT BUDGET ANALYST, CITY
CLERK COMMENT
CITY CLERK COMMENT:
City Clerk Fuentes announced the fires in Los Angeles have been declared a federal disaster, and San Diego is standing with Los Angeles. She mentioned one of the resources available for fire victims is the waiver of the Department of State’s passport fees to replace a damaged or lost U.S. Passport that occurred during these fires. City Clerk Fuentes stated you can schedule an appointment at [email protected].
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:16 PM
Item 200: Renewal of the Downtown Property and Business Improvement District (PBID).
Total Estimated Cost of Proposed Action and Funding Source:
If the District renewal is approved by property owners, approximately $14,513,152.56 will be assessed to the 14,100 parcels within the proposed PBID in Fiscal Year 2026. This will include an amount for assessments on City owned parcels (approximately $978,041.78); Non-City Parcel Assessments (approximately $875,876.19); Gas Tax (approximately $31,319); and City Administration (approximately $251,689.10).
Council District(s) Affected: 3.
Proposed Actions:
Subitem-A: (R-2025-357) ADOPTED AS RESOLUTION R-315995
Resolution determining that the authorization of the levy, collection of the assessments, and related actions for the Downtown Property and Business Improvement District through June 30, 2035, is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15301.
Subitem-B: (R-2025-342) ADOPTED AS RESOLUTION R-315996
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, January 27, 2025
Resolution considering the protests, approving the assessment formula, authorizing the levy and collection of the assessment, and related actions, for the Downtown Property and Business Improvement District through June 30, 2035.
Committee Actions Taken: N/A
Economic Development: Christina Bibler, (619) 236-6421
City Attorney Contact: Daphne Z. Skogen
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 10:21 AM, 4:38 PM, & 5:16 PM Public testimony by Betsy Brennan, Anthony Bumo, Mary Soriano, Lori Saldaña, Blair Beekman, John Stump, Joy Sunyata and Fred Tayco.
MOTION BY STEPHEN WHITBURN TO ADOPT. Second by Raul A. Campillo.
Passed by the following vote:
Yea: Joe LaCava, Stephen Whitburn, Henry L. Foster III, Marni von Wilpert, Kent Lee, Raul A. Campillo, Vivian Moreno, Sean Elo-Rivera;
Nay: (None);
Recused: (None);
Not Present: (Jennifer Campbell).
Item 201: Update on the Redevelopment of the City-owned Real Property Located at 3220, 3240, 3250 and 3500 Sports Arena Boulevard (Midway Site).
Total Estimated Cost of Proposed Action and Funding Source:
This is an informational item only; there is no cost associated with this item.
Council District(s) Affected: 2.
Proposed Actions:
ITEM PRESENTED
This is an informational item only.
Committee Actions Taken: N/A
Economic Development: Christina Bibler, (619) 236-6421
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, January 27, 2025
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 3:06 PM
Item 202: Appeal of the Adelante Townhomes Project, Project No. 1073585.
Total Estimated Cost of Proposed Action and Funding Source:
None. Costs associated with this project will be paid by the applicant through a deposit account.
Council District(s) Affected: 1.
Proposed Actions:
Subitem-A: (R-2024-375) DENIED THE APPEAL AND AFFIRMED PLANNING COMMISSION’S DECISION TO GRANT THE PERMIT; ADOPTED AS RESOLUTION R315997 Appeal of the Planning Commission's decision to approve the Adelante Townhomes project granting a Coastal Development Permit and a Tentative Map to demolish an existing office building, subdivide one lot into 13 residential condominium units and one commercial unit, and construct one new two-story mixed-use building. The building will be comprised of 13 multi-dwelling units (including one for-sale verylow-income affordable dwelling unit), as well as 1,060 square feet of commercial space, and a basement level parking garage. The 0.3-acre site is located at 5575 La Jolla Boulevard in the La Jolla Planned District-4 Zone (LJPD-4) and Coastal Overlay Zone (Non-Appealable 2) within the La Jolla Community Plan area. The project was determined to be categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15332 (In-Fill Development Projects) on May 31, 2024.
Subitem-B: (R-2024-374) DENIED THE APPEAL AND AFFIRMED PLANNING COMMISSION’S DECISION TO GRANT THE TENTATIVE MAP; ADOPTED AS RESOLUTION R-315998
Appeal of the Planning Commission's decision to approve the Adelante Townhomes project granting a Coastal Development Permit and a Tentative Map to demolish an existing office building, subdivide one lot into 13 residential condominium units and one commercial unit, and construct one new two-story mixed-use building. The building will be comprised of 13 multi-dwelling units (including one for-sale verylow-income affordable dwelling unit), as well as 1,060 square feet of commercial space, and a basement level parking garage. The 0.3-acre site is located at 5575 La Jolla Boulevard in the La Jolla Planned District-4 Zone (LJPD-4) and Coastal Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, January 27, 2025
Overlay Zone (Non-Appealable 2) within the La Jolla Community Plan area. The project was determined to be categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15332 (In-Fill Development Projects) on May 31, 2024.
According to San Diego Municipal Code section 112.0508(f), Power to Act on Appeal, the City Council may:
(1) Affirm Planning Commission’s decision to grant the permit and Tentative Map No. 3189489;
(2) Reverse Planning Commission’s decision to grant the permit and Tentative Map No. 3189489; or
(3) Modify Planning Commission’s decision to grant the permit and Tentative Map No. 3189489.
Directing the City Attorney to prepare the appropriate Resolutions according to Section 40 of the City Charter.
This item is not subject to the Mayor's veto.
Committee Actions Taken: N/A
Development Services: Benjamin Hafertepe, (619) 446-5086 City Attorney Contact: Shannon Eckmeyer
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 3:44 PM
Public testimony by Juliann, Sherri Lightner, Elena Dicharme, Russ Murphy, Joe Terry, Heather Riley, Tim Hutter, Harry Bubbins, Darcy Ashley, John Stump, Lori Saldaña, and Don Schmidt.
MOTION BY JOE LACAVA TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION IN SUBITEM A DENYING THE APPEAL AND AFFIRMING PLANNING COMMISSION’S DECISION TO GRANT THE PERMIT; AND ADOPT THE RESOLUITON IN SUBITEM B DENYING THE APPEAL AND AFFIRMING PLANNING COMMISSION’S DECISION TO GRANT THE TENTATIVE MAP.
Second by Kent Lee.
Passed by the following vote:
Yea: Joe LaCava, Jennifer Campbell, Stephen Whitburn, Henry L. Foster III, Marni von Wilpert, Kent Lee, Raul A. Campillo, Vivian Moreno, Sean Elo-Rivera; Nay: (None);
Recused: (None);
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, January 27, 2025
Not Present: (None).
Item S400: Proposed Parking Meter Fee Increase.
Total Estimated Cost of Proposed Action and Funding Source:
This action would increase current parking meter rates by 100% which is projected to generate $9.6 million in additional cost recovery revenue to provide eligible services in parking districts and thereby offset General Fund expenditures that would otherwise be required for those service.
Council District(s) Affected: Citywide.
Proposed Actions:
(R-2025-358) ADOPTED AS RESOLUTION R-315999
Resolution to set parking meter rates and waive Council Policy 100-18.
Committee Actions Taken: N/A
Office of the Independent Budget Analyst: Baku Patel, (619) 236-6443 City Attorney Contact: Cassandra Mougin
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:18 PM
MOTION BY HENRY L. FOSTER III TO ADOPT. Second by Sean Elo-Rivera.
Passed by the following vote:
Yea: Joe LaCava, Jennifer Campbell, Stephen Whitburn, Henry L. Foster III, Marni von Wilpert, Kent Lee, Raul A. Campillo, Sean Elo-Rivera; Nay: Vivian Moreno;
Recused: (None);
Not Present: (None.
REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
None.
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, January 27, 2025
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by Council President LaCava at 5:31 p.m. in honor of the memory of:
Nowell Walker as requested by Councilmember Campillo.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:28 PM