THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
OF
MONDAY, APRIL 21, 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........................................................................................10
MAYOR, COUNCIL, CITY ATTORNEY, INDEPENDENT BUDGET ANALYST, CITY CLERK COMMENT ........................................................................................................................................13 Item 200: Presentation of the Fiscal Year 2026 Draft Budget................................................13 Item 201: This item was moved to Tuesday, April 22, 2025, as Item 626..............................14 Item S400: Draft FY 2026 Annual Action Plan for HUD Programs, FY 2026 Annual HUD Programs Allocations, and Associated Actions.......................................................................14 Item 250: Approval of the Final Map “Romero Drive”...........................................................15 REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION................................................................................16 ADJOURNMENT .................................................................................................................17 Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 2
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, April 21, 2025
CHRONOLOGY OF THE MEETING
The meeting was called to order by Council President LaCava at 10:04 a.m. Council President Pro Tem Lee arrived to the meeting at 10:09 a.m. The meeting was recessed by Council President LaCava at 10:20 a.m. into Closed Session to be reconvened at 2:00 p.m.
The meeting was reconvened by Council President LaCava at 2:05 p.m. with all Councilmembers present. Councilmember Campbell and Councilmember Moreno left the meeting at 6:10 p.m. Councilmember Elo-Rivera left the meeting at 6:12 p.m. The meeting was adjourned by Council President LaCava at 6:47 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 (cp)
ROLL CALL
(1) Council President LaCava-present
(2) Councilmember Campbell-present
(3) Councilmember Whitburn-present
(4) Councilmember Foster-present
(5) Councilmember von Wilpert-present
(6) Council President Pro Tem Lee-not present
(7) Councilmember Campillo-present
(8) Councilmember Moreno-not present
(9) Councilmember Elo-Rivera-present
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 3
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, April 21, 2025
INVOCATION
The invocation was given by City Clerk Diana J.S. Fuentes.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Statement read by Councilmember Whitburn.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Whitburn.
CLOSED SESSION
Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
CS-1 Rakewon Emmanuel Cook v. City of San Diego
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2023-00053851-CU-PO-CTL Risk Management Department Claim File No. 33789
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2025
DCA Assigned: A. Markowitz
This action arises from an alleged dangerous condition and incident that occurred near the intersection of Euclid Ave. and Hilltop Drive, San Diego. 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: 10:07 AM
Public testimony by Cesar Javier and TheOriginalDra.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
CS-2 McKinley Kekona v. City of San Diego
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 4
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, April 21, 2025
United States District Court Case No. 22-cv-00745-MMA-VET Risk Management Department Claim File No. 29865
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2025
DCA Assigned: G. Leasure
This case arises out of an alleged use of excessive force by San Diego Police Officers during a traffic stop that occurred on May 25, 2020, on Kelton Road. The City Attorney’s Office will update the Mayor and the City Council and seek direction.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 10:07 AM
Public testimony by Cesar Javier and TheOriginalDra.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
CS-3 U.S. ex rel. Hendrix v. J-M Manufacturing Company, Inc. et al.
United States District Court - Central District of California, No. 5:06-cv-55-GW Risk Management Department Claim File No. N/A
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2025
SCDCA Assigned: M. Ankcorn
This case arises from a whistle-blower action brought against the manufacturer of substandard PVC water main and transmission pipe that failed to meet the claimed specifications or industry standards. The City of San Diego joined several California public entities in intervening in the action which was filed in the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. The City Attorney's Office will brief the Council on recent developments in the case and seek direction.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 10:07 AM
Public testimony by Cesar Javier and TheOriginalDra.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
CS-4 Sharp Healthcare, et al. v. City of San Diego
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 24CU027148C
Risk Management Department Claim File No. 37403
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2025
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 5
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, April 21, 2025
DCA Assigned: C. Turner
This case arises from property damage to Sharp Metropolitan Medical Campus allegedly caused by flooding due to a break in a 10-inch cast iron City water main, at the corner of Frost Street and Health Center Drive, on December 26, 2023. 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: 10:07 AM
Public testimony by Cesar Javier and TheOriginalDra.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
CS-5 Daniel Patz, et al. v. City of San Diego
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2015-00023413-CU-MC-CTL Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate Distr., Div. Two: E083543 Risk Management Department Claim File No. 12386
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2025
DCA Assigned: C. C. Hawkins
This class action case alleges that the City violated Proposition 218 by charging tiered water rates to single family residential water customers and seeks refunds. The City Attorney’s Office will update the Mayor and City Council regarding the status of the litigation.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 10:07 AM
Public testimony by Cesar Javier, Blair Beekman, TheOriginalDra, and Joy Sunyata.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
Conference with Labor Negotiators, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.6:
CS-6 City Designated Management Team Representatives:
Timothy Davis, Burke, Williams, & Sorensen LLP, Labor Negotiation Consultant Mark Wilson, Burke, Williams, & Sorensen LLP, Labor Negotiation Consultant Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 6
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, April 21, 2025
Matthew Vespi, Chief Financial Officer
Alia Khouri, Deputy Chief Operating Officer
Kris McFadden, Deputy Chief Operating Officer
Kristina Peralta, Deputy Chief Operating Officer
Casey Smith, Deputy Chief Operating Officer
Matt Yagyagan, Director of Policy, Office of the Mayor
Julie Rasco, Director, Human Resources Department
Abby Jarl-Veltz, Deputy Director, Human Resources Department Jeremy Culuko, Deputy Director, Human Resources Department Jonnabelle Domingo, Supervising Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Erik Hanson, Senior Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Manuel Quintero, Senior Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Abegaile Serafico, Senior Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Jennifer Manos, Senior Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Kawanda McLendon, Senior Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Sophia Williams, Senior Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Linda Chambers, Senior Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Kirsten McGinn, Senior Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Timothy Corcoran, Senior Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Scott Harris, Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Brian Mallard, Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Yvette Davis-Duckett, Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Hannah Filley, Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Kanella Glover, Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Lorene Parker, Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Angela Colton, Director, Risk Management Department
Quennelle Allen, Deputy Director, Risk Management Department Carly Danney, Benefits Manager, Risk Management Department Rolando Charvel, Department of Finance Director and City Comptroller Benjamin Battaglia, Assistant Director, Department of Finance Jeffrey Peelle, Assistant Director, Department of Finance Chris Purcell, Financial Operations Manager, Department of Finance Sally Rubi, Financial Operations Manager, Department of Finance Luis Mateos, Payroll Manager, Department of Finance
Nicholas O’Donnell, Principal Accountant, Department of Finance Virgilio Afan Jr., Program Coordinator, Department of Finance Robert Logan, Fire Chief, Fire-Rescue Department
James Gaboury, Assistant Fire Chief, Fire-Rescue Department Daniel Eddy, Assistant Fire Chief, Fire-Rescue Department James Gartland, Lifeguard Chief, Fire-Rescue Department Scott Wahl, Police Chief, Police Department
Paul Connelly, Deputy Chief, Police Department
Rudolph Tai, Assistant Police Chief, Police Department
Kyle Meaux, Assistant Director, Police Department
Jim McNeill, Assistant City Attorney, Office of the City Attorney M. Travis Phelps, Assistant City Attorney, Office of the City Attorney, solely for negotiations with the Deputy City Attorneys Association
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 7
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, April 21, 2025
Jonathan Ferreras, Program Coordinator, Office of the City Attorney, solely for negotiations with the Deputy City Attorneys Association
Following Management Team representatives to execute tentative agreements and memoranda of understanding reached in meet and confer, and to present all tentative agreements and memoranda of understanding reached in meet and confer to the Council for final determination and approval by the Council as to policy and the City Attorney as to form or correctness:
Timothy Davis, Burke, Williams, & Sorensen LLP, Labor Negotiation Consultant Mark Wilson, Burke, Williams, & Sorensen LLP, Labor Negotiation Consultant Matthew Vespi, Chief Financial Officer
Alia Khouri, Deputy Chief Operating Officer
Julie Rasco, Director, Human Resources Department
Abby Jarl-Veltz, Assistant Director, Human Resources Department Jonnabelle Domingo, Supervising Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Designated as representatives within the meaning of California Government Code Section 54957.6(a):
Charles Modica, Independent Budget Analyst, Office of the Independent Budget Analyst Jillian Andolina, Deputy Director, Office of the Independent Budget Analyst Lisa Byrne, Fiscal and Policy Analyst, Office of the Independent Budget Analyst Baku Patel, Fiscal and Policy Analyst, Office of the Independent Budget Analyst, solely for negotiations with the San Diego Police Officers Association, San Diego City Firefighters, I.A.F.F.
Local 145, and California Teamsters Local 911
Designated as representatives within the meaning of California Government Code Section 54957.6(a):
Jean Jordan, Executive Assistant City Attorney, Office of the City Attorney Jim McNeill, Assistant City Attorney, Office of the City Attorney Leslie FitzGerald, Assistant City Attorney, Office of the City Attorney Michelle Garland, Assistant City Attorney, Office of the City Attorney Kristin Zlotnik, Senior Chief Deputy City Attorney, Office of the City Attorney Joan Dawson, Senior Deputy City Attorney, Office of the City Attorney Thomas Brady, Senior Deputy City Attorney, Office of the City Attorney Miguel Merrell, Deputy City Attorney, Office of the City Attorney Elena Min, Deputy City Attorney, Office of the City Attorney Employee organizations:
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO, Local 127 Deputy City Attorneys Association (DCAA)
San Diego City Firefighters, International Association of Fire Fighters (I.A.F.F.), Local 145 San Diego Municipal Employees Association (MEA)
San Diego Police Officers Association (SDPOA)
Teamsters, Local 911 (Teamsters)
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 8
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, April 21, 2025
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2025
ACA Assigned: J. McNeill
The purpose of this Closed Session meeting is to review the City's position and instruct the City's designated representatives on the negotiations with AFSCME Local 127, DCAA, Local 145, MEA, POA, and Teamsters Local 911 regarding mandatory furlough for Fiscal Year 2026.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 10:07 AM
Public testimony by Cesar Javier, TheOriginalDra, and Joy Sunyata.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
CS-7 Eric Dargan v. City of San Diego
San Diego Superior Court Case No: 25CU016011C
Risk Management Department Claim File No. 39812
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2025
CDCA Assigned: K. Phillips
This case arises from the City’s former Chief Operating Officer’s allegations he was discriminated against because of his race and claim that his termination without being paid three months’ salary and benefits constitutes a breach of contract. The City Attorney’s Office will update the Mayor and City Council on the status of the litigation.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 10:07 AM
Public testimony by Cesar Javier, Blair Beekman, and TheOriginalDra.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
CS-8 McMillin-NTC, LLC v. California Coastal Commission, et al.
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 24CU010068C
Risk Management Department Claim File No. 38426
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2025
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 9
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, April 21, 2025
SDCA Assigned: J. M. Will
This case arises from a challenge to a Coastal Development Permit approval for the NTC HBarracks Project in Liberty Station. The City Attorney’s Office will update the Mayor and City Council on the status of the litigation.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 10:07 AM
Public testimony by Cesar Javier, Blair Beekman, TheOriginalDra, and Joy Sunyata.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
PUBLIC COMMENT-1:
Purita Javier commented on toxicity in R-1 residential zone.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:10 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-2:
Cesar Javier commented on toxicity in R-1 residential zone.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:12 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-3:
Mary Otero commented on trash fees/bait and switch.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:14 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-4:
Blair Beekman commented on tech accountability.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:17 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-5:
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 10 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, April 21, 2025
Aubrey Eblin commented on ordinance for setbacks from cell towers (homes, schools, etc.).
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:19 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-6:
Marco Espinosa commented on funding sources/government shutdown.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:21 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-7 (virtual):
Paul the Bold commented on homelessness.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:23 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-8 (virtual):
Terri-Ann Skelly commented on effects of tobacco smoke.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:26 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-9 (virtual):
Barbara Gordon commented on impaired driving.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:28 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-10 (virtual):
John Stump commented on having an Adjournment in Memory for Pope Francis, and budgeting.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:30 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-11 (virtual):
Becky Rapp commented on a ban on intoxicating hemp products.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:32 PM
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 11 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, April 21, 2025
PUBLIC COMMENT-12 (virtual):
Unknown caller commented on lack of trust in government.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:34 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-13 (virtual):
Dorene Dias commented on zoning on Jamacha Road; and Bonus Accessory Dwelling Units.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:36 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-14 (virtual):
Kathleen Lippitt commented on adopting policies in the best interest of the public.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:38 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-15 (virtual):
TheOriginalDra commented on auditing Dreams for Change Tent City.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:40 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-16 (virtual):
Joy Sunyata commented on Council’s attention; and art of conversation with Department of Housing and Urban Development.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:43 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-17 (virtual):
Madison commented on marijuana use disorder.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:45 PM
MAYOR, COUNCIL, CITY ATTORNEY, INDEPENDENT BUDGET ANALYST, CITY CLERK
COMMENT
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 12 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, April 21, 2025
COUNCIL COMMENT-1:
Council President LaCava mentioned the passing of Pope Francis, who was the spiritual leader of over 50 million Americans, and over one billion individuals worldwide. He expressed it is a moment to pause and reflect about who we are, where we are going, and the leadership that the Pope presented over the years.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:06 PM
Item 200: Presentation of the Fiscal Year 2026 Draft Budget.
Total Estimated Cost of Proposed Action and Funding Source:
This is an informational item only.
Council District(s) Affected: Citywide.
Proposed Actions: N/A
ITEM PRESENTED
Committee Actions Taken: N/A
Department of Finance: Rolando Charvel, (619) 533-4535
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:07 PM
Item 201: This item was moved to Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 1:00 pm Discussion Agenda, as Item 626.
Item S400: Draft FY 2026 Annual Action Plan for HUD Programs, FY 2026 Annual HUD Programs Allocations, and Associated Actions.
Total Estimated Cost of Proposed Action and Funding Source:
The proposed actions result in no fiscal impact to the City’s General Fund, as the funding referenced in these requested actions originates from HUD.
Council District(s) Affected: Citywide.
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 13 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, April 21, 2025
Proposed Actions:
(R-2025-508 Rev.) ADOPTED AS AMENDED AS RESOLUTION R-316166 Resolution of the Council of the City of San Diego Allocation Funding from the Fiscal Year 2026 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Entitlement Grant Programs, Approving the Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Action Plan, and Taking Related Actions.
Committee Actions Taken: N/A
Economic Development: Christina Bibler, (619) 236-6421
City Attorney Contact: Andrew J. Alfonso
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 4:55 PM
Public testimony by Rebecca Rader, Cesar Javier, Mary Orteo, Aleta Barthell, Nao Kabashima, Elissa Hill, Julie Porter, Rachel Hayes, Blair Beekman, William Burties, Natalie Raschke, John Stump, TheOriginalDra, Joy Sunyata, Marcy Roke, Consuelo, and Dorene Dias.
Alternative motion by Raul A. Campillo to moves staff’s recommendation and adopt the resolution. Second by Jennifer Campbell.
Failed by the following vote:
Yea: Jennifer Campbell, Stephen Whitburn, Marni von Wilpert, Raul A. Campillo; Nay: Joe LaCava, Henry L. Foster III, Kent Lee, Vivian Moreno, Sean Elo-Rivera; Recused: (None);
Not Present: (None).
MOTION BY SEAN ELO-RIVERA TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS AMENDED TO RETURN ACTIONS ITEMS 1 THROUGH 7, 10, 11, 14, 16, AND 17, IN THE STAFF REPORT TO STAFF
WITH THE REQUEST TO COME BACK TO COUNCIL CONCURRENTLY WITH OR FOLLOWING THE COUNCIL’S ADOPTION OF THE FY26 BUDGET; AND RENUMBER THE REMAINING ACTION ITEMS TO REFLECT THE REMOVAL OF THE RETURNED ACTION ITEMS. Second by Kent Lee.
Passed by the following vote:
Yea: Joe LaCava, Henry L. Foster III, Kent Lee, Raul A. Campillo, Vivian Moreno, Sean EloRivera; Nay: Jennifer Campbell, Stephen Whitburn, Marni von Wilpert; Recused: (None);
Not Present: (None).
NOTE: The following Public Notice was for public record only. This item did not require Council action or public testimony.
Item 250: Approval of the Final Map “Romero Drive”.
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 14 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, April 21, 2025
NOTICE of Pending Final Map Approval
Notice is hereby given that the City Engineer has reviewed and will approve on the date of this City Council meeting that certain final map entitled “Romero Drive" (T.M. No. 3172977, PRJ No. 1063637) located at 6850 Country Club Drive, San Diego, CA, also known as Assessor’s Parcel Number 352-300-11, in the Residential Single-Unit (RS)-1-4 Zone, within the La Jolla Community Plan Area, Council District 1, a copy of which is available for public viewing at the office of the San Diego City Clerk. Specifically, the City Engineer has caused the map to be examined and has made the following findings:
(1) The map substantially conforms to the approved tentative map, any approved alterations thereof, and any conditions of approval imposed with said tentative map. (2) The map complies with the provisions of the Subdivision Map Act and any local ordinances applicable at the time of approval of the tentative map. (3) This map is filed pursuant to the Subdivision Map Act. City Planning Commission Resolution No. R-5311-PC-2 adopted September 19, 2024, approve the development of eight (8) lots with five (5) lots developed for single-dwelling residential units and three (3) lots not developed. (4) The map is technically correct.
Said map will be finalized and recorded unless a valid appeal is filed. Interested parties will have 10 calendar days from the date of this Council hearing to appeal the above findings of the City Engineer to the City Council. A valid appeal must be filed with the City Clerk no later than 2:00 p.m., 10 calendar days from the date of this City Council meeting stating briefly which of the above findings made by the City Engineer was improper or incorrect and the basis for that conclusion. If you have questions about the map approval findings or need additional information about the map or your appeal rights, please feel free to contact Greg Jeffries at (619) 446-5132.
REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
None.
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 15 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, April 21, 2025
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by Council President LaCava at 6:47 p.m.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:47 PM