THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
OF
MONDAY, MAY 19, 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 ..........................................................................................................................3 INVOCATION.......................................................................................................................3 LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .................................................................................................3 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE......................................................................................................3 CLOSED SESSION................................................................................................................3 NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT .........................................................................................6
MAYOR, COUNCIL, CITY ATTORNEY, INDEPENDENT BUDGET ANALYST, CITY CLERK COMMENT ..........................................................................................................................................9 Item 200: Fiscal Year 2025 Third Quarter Budget Monitoring Report.....................................10 Item 201: May Revision to the Fiscal Year 2026 Draft Budget...............................................10 Item 202: Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2026 Draft Budget and May Revision..................11 REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION................................................................................11 ADJOURNMENT .................................................................................................................12 Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 2
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, May 19, 2025
CHRONOLOGY OF THE MEETING
The meeting was called to order by Council President LaCava at 10:03 a.m. Councilmember von Wilpert arrived to the meeting at 10:08 a.m. Councilmember Elo-Rivera arrived to the meeting at 10:11 a.m. The meeting was recessed by Council President LaCava at 10:19 a.m. into Closed Session, to be reconvened at 2:00 p.m.
The meeting was reconvened by Council President LaCava at 2:03 p.m. with all Councilmembers present. Councilmember Campbell left the meeting at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was recessed by Council President LaCava at 6:30 p.m., to be reconvened for the evening session.
The meeting was reconvened by Council President LaCava at 6:38 p.m. with Councilmember Campbell and Councilmember Elo-Rivera not present. Councilmember Elo-Rivera arrived to the meeting at 6:43 p.m. The meeting was adjourned by Council President LaCava at 9:54 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:
Pantaleon/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-not present
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 3
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, May 19, 2025
(6) Council President Pro Tem Lee-present
(7) Councilmember Campillo-present
(8) Councilmember Moreno-not present
(9) Councilmember Elo-Rivera-not present
INVOCATION
The invocation was given by Deputy City Clerk Daichi Pantaleon.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Statement read by Councilmember Campbell.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Campbell.
CLOSED SESSION
Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
CS-1 Vernon Watts, Jr. v. City of San Diego
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2023-00036357-CU-PA-CTL Risk Management Department Claim File No. 31410
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, MAY 19, 2025
DCA Assigned: R. J. Rice
This case arises from an automobile collision between an SDPD vehicle and Plaintiff’s Honda Passport in the intersection of 2300 Claremont Drive against a red traffic signal. 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: 10:06 AM
Public testimony by Cesar Javier, TheOriginalDra, and Joy Sunyata.
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 4
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, May 19, 2025
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
CS-2 January 22, 2024 Flooding Litigation
1. Montoya, Gregory, et al. v. City of San Diego, San Diego Superior Court (SDSC) Case No. 37- 2024-00021327
2. Allstate Insurance Company, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 25CU020790C
3. Aguilar, Cecilio, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 24CU031479C
4. Aguirre, Manuel, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 24CU017722C
5. Aguirre, Rosa, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 24CU011981C
6. Alliance San Diego, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 24CU010679C
7. Apgar, Lloyd, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 37-2024-00024491
8. Arnold, Brenda, et al v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 24CU018563C
9. Avila, Daniela, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 24CU028107C
10. Baker, Ann, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 24CU009946N
11. Banks, Robert, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 24CU031161C
12. Barrios, Luis, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 24CU003492C
13. Bethke, Logan, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 24CU027524N
14. Bloom, Stuart, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 25CU003502C
15. Brauner, David, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 25CU003372C
16. Buenrostro, Edder et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 37-2024-00030791
17. Certain Underwriters of Lloyd’s London Subscribing to Policy No. B1180D230808, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 25CU016268C
18. Coastal Pride Towing, Inc. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 37-2024-00023296
19. Cortez, Yasmin, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 24CU026011C
20. Croft, Brian, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 37-2024-00029980
21. Cruz, Evelyn, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 24CU022804C
22. Dandoy, Renato, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 37-2024-00030662
23. Delgado, Rosaura et al. v City of National City, City of San Diego, et al., SDSC Case No. 24CU013086C
24. Faria, Vanessa v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 24CU013871C
25. Fisher, Aberzine v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 24CU020170C
26. Garcia, Baldomero, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 24CU000234C
27. Gomez, Carlos, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 24CU024045C
28. Gonzales, Francisco, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 24CU000231C
29. Hampton, Angela v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 24CU000134C
30. Hansaya, Keuavanh, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 25CU001312C
31. Hesser, Brett et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 24CU013892C
32. Leisureland v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 24CU018166C
33. Melchor, Amalio, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 37-2024-00030743
34. Mercury Insurance Company, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 25CU018745C
35. National Black Contractors Foundation of America, Inc., et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 24CU012118C
36. Navarro, Alberto, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 37-24-00028601
37. Navarro, Jose, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 24CU026650C Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 5
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, May 19, 2025
38. Navarro, Martha, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 37-24-00029789
39. Ortiz, Misael, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 24CU000267C
40. Palomar Specialty Insurance Co, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 24CU024342C
41. Perez, Elena, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 37-2024-00030795
42. Perez, Irma v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 25CU003596C
43. Rivera, Fernando, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 37-2024-00030688
44. Rodriguez, Cristian, et al. v. County of San Diego, et al., SDSC Case No. 24CU000273C
45. Rodriguez, Melanie Arroyo, et al v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 24CU025594C
46. Rodriguez, Timoteo, et al. v. County of San Diego, et al., SDSC Case No. 24CU000278C
47. Saunders, Karin, et al. v. City of San Diego, et al, SDSC Case No. 24CU026759C
48. SDC Parts, LLC, et al. v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 25CU003270C
49. Silva, Patricia, et al v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 24CU001997C
50. Turner, Angela v. City of San Diego, SDSC Case No. 25CU002366C
51. Century National Insurance, et al v. City of San Diego (not yet filed)
52. Chicano Federation v. City of San Diego (not yet filed)
53. Logan Development II, LLP v. City of San Diego (not yet filed) Risk Management Department Claim File Nos. Multiple
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, MAY 19, 2025
ACA Assigned: M. Travis Phelps; Sr. DCA Shawn M. Robinson Outside Counsel: D. Semerdjian and J. Schena, Schwartz Semerdjian Cauley Schena & Bush; M. Dean, L. Roistacher, and S. Gazzo, Dean Gazzo Roistacher This matter is an update on the increase in the number of lawsuits arising from an extreme rainstorm that occurred on January 22, 2024, which resulted in flooding throughout the City.
The inverse condemnation lawsuits allege the Plaintiffs suffered real and personal property damage due to the flooding. The City Attorney’s Office will update the Mayor and City Council on the status of the lawsuits and seek direction.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 10:06 AM
Public testimony by Cesar Javier, TheOriginalDra, Joy Sunyata, and Blair Beekman.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
CS-3 City of San Diego v. 101 Ash, LLC et al.
San Diego Superior Court Case No.: 37-2020-00036247-CU-CO-CTL REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, MAY 19, 2025
ACA Assigned: M. T. Phelps
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 6
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, May 19, 2025
Outside Counsel: D. Semerdjian and J. Schena, Schwartz Semerdjian This item involves the City’s claims against its contractors for negligent disruption of asbestos during renovations of the 101 Ash Street property. 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: 10:06 AM
Public testimony by Cesar Javier, 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 community.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:03 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-2:
Cesar Javier commented on toxicity in R-1 residential zone community; traffic; and home invasion.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:05 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-3 (virtual):
Blair Beekman commented on ideals and best practices.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:09 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-4 (virtual):
Becky Rapp commented on extending operating hours of marijuana retail stores.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:11 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-5 (virtual):
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 7
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, May 19, 2025
Madison commented on protecting youth from a pro-cannabis culture.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:12 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-6 (virtual):
TheOriginalDra commented on auditing Tent City.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:14 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-7 (virtual):
Kathleen Lippitt requested Council stay seated during public comment; and commented on lease for the polo field.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:16 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-8 (virtual):
Francine Maxwell commented on enforcement in District 4.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:19 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-9 (virtual):
Megan Stuart commented on banning the sale of disguised vaping devices.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:21 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-10 (virtual):
Kelly McCormick commented on smoke-free multi-unit housing ordinance.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:23 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-11 (virtual):
Marco Espinosa commented on being fined for having car in driveway.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:25 PM
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 8
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, May 19, 2025
PUBLIC COMMENT-12 (virtual):
Krista Hill commented on public services; and police misconduct.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:26 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-13 (virtual):
Judi Strang commented on illegal cannabis harms the environment in parklands.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:28 PM
MAYOR, COUNCIL, CITY ATTORNEY, INDEPENDENT BUDGET ANALYST, CITY CLERK
COMMENT
COUNCIL COMMENT-1:
Councilmember von Wilpert expressed how sorry she was for the attack in Palm Springs at the fertility clinic this past weekend. She stated the bombing was horrible and should never have happened, but is glad that they are going to be ok.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:05 PM
COUNCIL COMMENT-2:
Council President LaCava wanted to give a quick shout out to the two men in blue in the back of Chambers who are constantly monitoring the air temperature and air quality here. He thanked them for trying to keep everyone as comfortable as possible for a very long session today.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:06 PM
INDEPENDENT BUDGET ANALYST COMMENT:
Independent Budget Analyst Modica reminded the Council that memos detailing modifications that they would like to see on the final proposed budget are due to his office on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. He stated that once they are received, they will go through them to determine kind of what the final set of budget modifications that will be presented to the BRC on June 6th will be before the budget adoption on June 10th. Independent Budget Analyst Modica encouraged those that have proposed modifications that have restorations to items in the proposed budget hopefully identify resources as well. He ensured his office is available to assist in this process.
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 9
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, May 19, 2025
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:04 PM
Item 200: Fiscal Year 2025 Third Quarter Budget Monitoring Report.
Total Estimated Cost of Proposed Action and Funding Source:
Please see attached Fiscal Year 2025 Third Quarter Budget Monitoring Report.
Council District(s) Affected: Citywide.
Proposed Actions:
ITEM PRESENTED
This is an informational item only.
Committee Actions Taken: N/A
Department of Finance: Ambar Gutierrez, (619) 533-6297
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:07 PN
Item 201: May Revision to 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:
ITEM PRESENTED
This is an informational item only.
Committee Actions Taken: N/A
Department of Finance: Rolando Charvel, (619) 533-4535
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 3:37 PM
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 10 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, May 19, 2025
Item 202: Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2026 Draft Budget and May Revision.
Total Estimated Cost of Proposed Action and Funding Source:
This is an informational item; there is no City expenditure being approved with this action.
Council District(s) Affected: Citywide.
Proposed Actions:
ITEM PRESENTED
This is an informational item only.
Committee Actions Taken: N/A
Department of Finance: Rolando Charvel, (619) 533-4535
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:39 PM
REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
None.
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 11 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, May 19, 2025
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by Council President LaCava at 9:54 p.m.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 9:54 PM