THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
OF
MONDAY, JUNE 16, 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 .........................................................................................8
MAYOR, COUNCIL, CITY ATTORNEY, INDEPENDENT BUDGET ANALYST, CITY CLERK COMMENT ..........................................................................................................................................9 Item 200: Fiscal Year 2026 Maintenance Assessment Districts Annual Reports for Parks & Recreation Department ......................................................................................................10 Item 201: Fiscal Year 2026 Maintenance Assessment District Annual Reports for Economic Development Department...................................................................................................11 Item 202: Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) Regulation Amendments to the San Diego Municipal Code and Local Coastal Program Amendment.......................................................................................................................12 REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION................................................................................15 ADJOURNMENT .................................................................................................................15 Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 2
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, June 16, 2025
CHRONOLOGY OF THE MEETING
The meeting was called to order by Council President LaCava at 10:05 a.m. Councilmember Elo-Rivera arrived to the meeting at 10:09 a.m. The meeting was recessed by Council President LaCava at 10:16 a.m. into Closed Session, to be reconvened at 2:00 p.m.
The meeting was reconvened by Council President LaCava at 2:09 p.m. with Councilmember Elo-Rivera not present. Councilmember Elo-Rivera arrived to the meeting at 4:23 p.m. Council President LaCava recessed the meeting at 7:55 p.m. for the purpose of a break. Council President LaCava reconvened the meeting at 8:12 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
Council President LaCava recessed the meeting at 8:46 p.m. for the purpose of a break.
Council President LaCava reconvened the meeting at 8:52 p.m. with all Councilmembers present. Councilmember Campbell left the meeting at 9:16 p.m. Councilmember Moreno left the meeting at 9:17 p.m. The meeting was adjourned by Council President LaCava at 9:34 p.m.
ATTENDANCE DURING THE MEETING
PRESENT:
CD-1 Council President Joe LaCava
CD-2 Councilmember Jennifer Campbell - (attended virtually) 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:
Berry/Fuentes (cp)
ROLL CALL
(1) Council President LaCava-present
(2) Councilmember Campbell-not present
(3) Councilmember Whitburn-present
(4) Councilmember Foster-present
(5) Councilmember von Wilpert-present
(6) Council President Pro Tem Lee-present
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 3
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, June 16, 2025
(7) Councilmember Campillo-present
(8) Councilmember Moreno-present
(9) Councilmember Elo-Rivera-not present
INVOCATION
The invocation was given by Deputy City Clerk Jennifer Berry.
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 Susan Baker v. City of San Diego
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2023-00028707-CU-PO-CTL Risk Management Department Claim File No. 33197
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, JUNE 16, 2025
DCA Assigned: K. R. Yee
This matter arises from a trip and fall that occurred on October 22, 2022. Plaintiff alleges stepping on uneven asphalt near 3792 Crete Street. The City Attorney’s Office will update the Mayor and City Council on the status of litigation and seek direction.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 10:08 AM
Public testimony by TheOriginalDra and Joy Sunyata.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 4
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, June 16, 2025
CS-2 Kaid Marouf v. City of San Diego
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 24CU004814C
Risk Management Department Claim File No. 33097
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, JUNE 16, 2025
DCA Assigned: C. Turner
This inverse condemnation case arises from property damage to Plaintiff’s home located at 2465 Hidden Valley Road, La Jolla, allegedly caused by flooding due to a water main rupture on March 27, 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: 10:08 AM
Public testimony by TheOriginalDra.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
CS-3 Cameron Adams, et al. v. City of San Diego, et al.
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2022-00006091-CU-PO-CTL Risk Management Department Claim File No.: 24431
Eric Bahena, et al. v. City of San Diego, et al.
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2021-00007004-CU-AS-CTL Risk Management Department Claim File No.: 24431
Luis Guerrero v. City of San Diego, et al.
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2021-00001137-CU-PO-NC Risk Management Department Claim File No.: 24133
Juan Rose, III v. City of San Diego, et al.
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2022-00018805-CU-MC-CTL Risk Management Department Claim File No.: 24133
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, JUNE 16, 2025
DCA Assigned: P. H. James
Outside Counsel: J. Parker, Esq., Hugo Parker, LLP
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 5
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, June 16, 2025
Plaintiffs in these four actions are 42 employees of contractors who worked in the 101 Ash Street building and seek damages for exposure to asbestos. 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: 10:08 AM
Public testimony by TheOriginalDra and Joy Sunyata.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
CS-4 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, JUNE 16, 2025
ACA Assigned: M. T. Phelps
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: 10:08 AM
Public testimony by TheOriginalDra and Joy Sunyata.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
Conference with Real Property Negotiator, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.8:
CS-5 Property: 101 Ash Street, San Diego, California
Agency Negotiator: Christina Bibler, Economic Development Director Casey Smith, Deputy Chief Operating Officer
Negotiating Parties: City of San Diego and MRK Partners/cREate Development 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, JUNE 16, 2025
SDCA Assigned: K. Reisch
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 6
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, June 16, 2025
DCA Assigned: J. Gough Inman
The Council will meet with its negotiator to discuss 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: 10:08 AM
Public testimony by 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-6 Marcus Evans v. City of San Diego, et al.
United States District Court Case No. 25-cv-1094 BJC MMP Risk Management Department Claim File No. 38783
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, JUNE 16, 2025
SDCA Assigned: Stacy J. Plotkin-Wolff
This matter involves allegations of excessive force when Plaintiff was arrested on October 24, 2024, after officers responded to a reported domestic violence incident involving a gun. 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: 10:08 AM
Public testimony by TheOriginalDra and Joy Sunyata.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
Conference with Legal Counsel – Significant Exposure to Litigation, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2):
CS-7 Number of Cases: Multiple
Risk Management Department Claim File No. N/A
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, JUNE 16, 2025
Executive ACA Assigned: J. Jordan
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 7
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, June 16, 2025
The City Attorney’s Office will update the Mayor and City Council regarding significant exposure to litigation.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 10:08 AM
Public testimony by TheOriginalDra.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
PUBLIC COMMENT-1:
Joy Sunyata commented on wastewater waiver.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 9:17 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-2 (virtual):
Francine Maxwell commented on fairness and civility.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 9:20 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-3 (virtual):
TheOriginalDra commented on the people; and housing.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 9:22 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-4 (virtual):
Terri-Ann Skelly commented on marijuana storefronts and mental health issues.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 9:24 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-5 (virtual):
Madison commented on nicotine pouches.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 9:26 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-6 (virtual):
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 8
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, June 16, 2025
Blair Beekman commented on community democracy; tech; and paramilitary tactics.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 9:28 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-7 (virtual):
Unknown caller commented on policies pushed.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 9:30 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-8 (virtual):
Unknown caller commented on projects passed under Footnote 7.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 9:32 PM
MAYOR, COUNCIL, CITY ATTORNEY, INDEPENDENT BUDGET ANALYST, CITY CLERK
COMMENT
COUNCIL COMMENT-1:
Councilmember von Wilpert addressed the tragic and politically motivated attack that occurred over the weekend. She mentioned Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed and another lawmaker, Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife are recovering from multiple gunshot wounds in the hospital.
Councilmember von Wilpert noted luckily the suspect, who had a list of over 40 elected officials to target, was apprehended. She stated it's very scary to think that just because we want to be involved in public office, we are subjecting ourselves to danger. Councilmember von Wilpert emphasized the need to end violence and uphold peaceful democratic values.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:12 PM
Item 200: Fiscal Year 2026 Maintenance Assessment Districts Annual Reports for Parks & Recreation Department.
Total Estimated Cost of Proposed Action and Funding Source:
This Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 assessments for the P&R MADs under this action item totals $20,662,640. The proposed budget includes estimated City contributions of $1,773,831 from the Gas Tax (medians) and $283,524 from the Environmental Growth Fund (open space). The proposed budget also contains funding for assessments on City-Owned parcels detailed in Attachment 8 which is budgeted within the Citywide Program in the amount of $249,968.
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 9
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, June 16, 2025
Council District(s) Affected: Citywide.
Proposed Actions:
(R-2025-619) ADOPTED AS RESOLUTION R-316266
Resolution approving the Annual Reports submitted in connection with Parks and Recreation MADs for Fiscal Year 2026 and related funding actions.
Committee Actions Taken:
This item was heard at the Community and Neighborhood Services Committee meeting on May 21, 2025.
ACTION: Motion by Vice Chair Campillo, second by Committee Member Foster III, to recommend Council approval of staff’s proposed actions.
VOTE: 3-0; Campbell-yea, Campillo-yea, Foster III-yea.
Parks & Recreation: Michael Jones, (619) 685-1307
City Attorney Contact: Daphne Z. Skogen
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:16 PM
MOTION BY RAUL A. CAMPILLO TO ADOPT. Second by Stephen Whitburn.
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);
Not Present: (None).
Item 201: Fiscal Year 2026 Maintenance Assessment District Annual Reports for Economic Development Department.
Total Estimated Cost of Proposed Action and Funding Source:
The Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 revenues for Economic Development Department-administered MADs under this action item totals $5,347,343. The proposed budget includes: $5,004,182 in assessment revenues, of which $147,967 are assessments on City-Owned parcels. The Fiscal Year 2026 budget includes an estimated City contribution of $33,527 from the Gas Tax Fund for median maintenance and $309,634 in General Benefit Offset. The City will receive $33,765 from the MADs for administrative costs.
Council District(s) Affected: 1, 2, 3, 8, 9.
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 10 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, June 16, 2025
Proposed Actions:
(R-2025-606) ADOPTED AS RESOLUTION R-316267
Resolution approving the Annual Reports submitted in connection with Economic Development MADs for Fiscal Year 2026, related funding actions, and waiving of Council Policy 100-21 relative to Operating Reserves for the Little Italy MAD.
Committee Actions Taken:
This item was heard at the Community and Neighborhood Services Committee meeting on May 21, 2025.
ACTION: Motion by Vice Chair Campillo, second by Committee Member Foster III, to recommend Council approval of staff’s proposed actions.
VOTE: 3-0; Campbell-yea, Campillo-yea, Foster III-yea.
Economic Development: Christina Bibler, (619) 236-6421
City Attorney Contact: Daphne Z. Skogen
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:16 PM
MOTION BY RAUL A. CAMPILLO TO ADOPT. Second by Stephen Whitburn.
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);
Not Present: (None).
Item 202: Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) Regulation Amendments to the San Diego Municipal Code and Local Coastal Program Amendment.
Total Estimated Cost of Proposed Action and Funding Source:
There is no cost to the City with this action. Costs associated with the implementation of these regulations will be covered by project applicants through the project permitting process. Funds from the new ADU Home Density Bonus Community Enhancement Fee Fund will go into a new ADU Bonus Community Enhancement Fee Fund that will be used to fund neighborhood enhancing improvements and services, with a focus on Communities of Concern.
Council District(s) Affected: Citywide.
Proposed Actions:
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 11 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, June 16, 2025
Subitem-A: (R-2025-625) ADOPTED AS RESOLUTION R-316268
Resolution determining that the approval of the Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Dwelling Unit Regulation Amendments to the San Diego Municipal Code and Local Coastal Program are Categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act Under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15282(h) and 15332.
Subitem-B: (O-2025-136 Rev. Cor. Copy) INTRODUCED AS AMENDED BY INTERLINEATION, TO BE ADOPTED TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2025
Introduction of an Ordinance amending Chapter 11, Article 3, Division 1 of the San Diego Municipal Code by amending Section 113.0103; amending Chapter 12, Article 5, Division 4 by amending Section 125.0431; amending Chapter 13, Article 1, Division 3 by amending Section 131.0322, Table 131-03B; amending Chapter 14, Article 1, Division 3 BY retitling and amending Section 141.0302, Table 141-03A; amending Chapter 14, Article 3, Division 8 by amending Section 143.0815; and amending Chapter 14, Article 4, Division 5 by amending Section 144.0501, relating to the Amendment to the Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Dwelling Unit Regulations.
Subitem-C: (R-2025-620 Rev. Cor. Copy) ADOPTED AS AMENDED AS RESOLUTION R-316269 Resolution approving the Accessory Dwelling Unit Home Density Bonus Program Community Enhancement Fee.
Committee Actions Taken:
This item was heard at the Land Use and Housing Committee meeting on May 15, 2025.
ACTION: Motion by Chair Lee, second by Vice Chair Elo-Rivera, to approve staff’s recommendation with an amendment to item 16 to utilize Option 2 related to development scale using a unit cap approach, and implement the following proposed amendments to Action Item 2 relating to the Community Enhancement Fee:
• Exempt ADUs that are deed-restricted to very low (30-50%) or low income (30-60%) households from paying the Community Enhancement Fee in Moderate, High, and Very High Opportunity Areas as determined by The California Tax Credit Allocation Committee; and • Add requirements to the Community Enhancement Fee resolution to model it after the Climate Equity Fund.
VOTE: 3-1; Lee-yea, Elo-Rivera-yea, Campillo-yea, Moreno-nay.
Planning: Liz Saidkhanian, (619) 533-5990
City Attorney Contact: Corrine Neuffer
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:41 PM
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 12 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, June 16, 2025
Public testimony by Lisa Jungnitsch, Bruce Coons, Judi Mitchell, Larry Webb, Dennis Lynch, Ninus Malan, Shane Harris, Mahamud Umar, Jessie Schmitte, Manny Ramirez, Pamela Begeal, Atanas Baitchev, Chris Jackson, Cesar Javier, Rafael Perez, Trudy Grundland, Susan Redelings, Lucy Price, Madeline Dnaro, Karen Ventimilia, Marcella Bothwell, James Rainey, Judy Murphy, Brita Lindstrom, Evan Strawn, Kate Callen, Tamberly Freedman, Maya Vanderschuit, Hap Manning, Adrian Luna, Navid Mostatabi, Doris Cintren, Daniel Shkolnik, Joy Sunyata, Dave Nicolai, Danna Givot, Sean Duffy-Polanco, Hannah Bollinger, Kenny Key, Rick Brusch, Mike Frattali, Karen Cadiero-Kaplan, Alva Rapp, Angela Guzy, Jocelyn Mahittipongse, Ann Loveless, Geoff Hueter, John Mule, Bonnie Kutch, Paul Krueger, Merv Thompson, Maria Conrad, Christopher Poblete, Gail Viamonte, Rob Campbell, Mandy Havlik, Erik Becerra, Andrea Ebbing, Sharon Gehl, Thiago Batista, Susan Ward, Martha Abraham, Rammy Cortez, Lorena Bamburg, Ramses Lara, Gonzalez Walding, Julie Garson, Ryan O’Connell, Pat G., Sally Smull, Dante Golden, Newell Booth, Julie Gildred Connolly, TheOriginalDra, Consuelo, Margaret Virissimo, Dorene Dias, Nicole Lillie, Jeff Heden, Saad Asad, Audry Ledesma, Bill Li, Carol Otterson, Melanie Cohn, Rob Klaproth, Peggy Paine, Scott, and Gabrielle Werve.
Note: The original motion to approve staff recommendation made by Council President Pro Tem Lee and seconded by Councilmember Elo-Rivera never received a vote because of the successful substitute motion made by Councilmember Foster and seconded by Council President LaCava.
Substitute motion by Marni von Wilpert to adopt the resolution in Subitem A; introduce the ordinance as amended by interlineation in Subitem B to revise Section 141.0302(d)(4) to read:
“Total Maximum number of permitted ADUs and JADUs on single dwelling unit lots. The total maximum number of ADUs and JADUs that may be permitted on a lot within a base zone that permits single dwelling unit development but not multiple dwelling unit development, shall not exceed 4. The maximum number of ADUs and JADUs is inclusive of the total number of ADUs and JADUs that are permitted in accordance with Section 141.0302”; and revise Section 141.0302(d)(9)(B) by deleting the word “Moderate”; and adopt the resolution as amended in Subitem C by deleting the word “Moderate” under Recital J and Action Item 3. Second by Raul A. Campillo.
Failed by the following vote:
Yea: Jennifer Campbell, Henry L. Foster III, Marni von Wilpert, Raul A. Campillo; Nay: Joe LaCava, Stephen Whitburn, Kent Lee, Vivian Moreno, Sean Elo-Rivera; Recused: (None);
Not Present: (None).
SUBSTITUTE MOTION BY HENRY L. FOSTER III TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION IN SUBITEM A; INTRODUCE THE ORDINANCE AS AMENDED BY INTERLINEATION IN SUBITEM B TO: 1) REVISE THE LANGUAGE ON PAGE 24, SECTION 141.0302, ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADUS) AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (JADUS), SUBSECTION (D)(4), IN TABLE 141-03A, MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PERMITTED ADUS AND JADUS IN SINGLE DWELLING UNIT LOTS, UNDER LOT AREA (SQUARE FEET) TO READ: “8,000 OR LESS”, “8,001 TO 10,000”, AND “10,001 OR GREATER”; AND 2) REVISE THE LANGUAGE ON PAGE 27, SECTION 141.0302,
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADUS) AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (JADUS), SUBSECTION (D)(9)(B), BY DELETING THE WORD “MODERATE” TO READ: “THE PREMISES IS
LOCATED IN AN AREA IDENTIFIED AS A HIGH OR VERY HIGH RESOURCE CALIFORNIA TAX
CREDIT ALLOCATION COMMITTEE (CTCAC) OPPORTUNITY AREA WHEN THE DEVELOPMENT Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 13 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, June 16, 2025
APPLICATION IS DEEMED COMPLETE”; AND ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS AMENDED IN SUBITEM C BY DELETING THE WORD “MODERATE” UNDER RECITAL J AND ACTION ITEM 3.
Second by Joe LaCava.
Passed by the following vote:
Yea: Joe LaCava, Jennifer Campbell, Henry L. Foster III, Marni von Wilpert, Raul A. Campillo; Nay: Stephen Whitburn, Kent Lee, Vivian Moreno, Sean Elo-Rivera; Recused: (None);
Not Present: (None).
REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Council President LaCava adjourned the meeting at 9:34 p.m.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 9:34 PM