THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
OF
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2025
AT 10:00 AM
IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS – 12TH FLOOR
Table of Contents
CHRONOLOGY OF THE MEETING..........................................................................................3 ATTENDANCE DURING THE MEETING...................................................................................3 ROLL CALL ..........................................................................................................................3 INVOCATION.......................................................................................................................4 LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .................................................................................................4 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE......................................................................................................4 CLOSED SESSION................................................................................................................4 NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT .........................................................................................7
MAYOR, COUNCIL, CITY ATTORNEY, INDEPENDENT BUDGET ANALYST, CITY CLERK COMMENT ........................................................................................................................................12 Item S400: Authorize the First Amendment to Lease Agreement Between the City of San Diego and the Zoological Society of San Diego for the San Diego Zoo Property Located in Balboa Park ........................................................................................................................................13 Item S401: Submission of Ballot Proposals for the June 2, 2026, Ballot.................................14 Item S402: Balboa Park/San Diego High School Connections Report.....................................15 Item S403: Approval of an Affordable Housing Loan Agreement with 73rd Street Investors, L.P., in an Amount of $3,000,000 for the 73rd Street Apartments Affordable Housing Project..15 Item S404: Approval of an Affordable Housing Loan Agreement with Market Street Senior Housing, L.P., in an Amount of $5,000,000 for the Market Street Apartments Affordable Housing Project ..............................................................................................................................17 Item S405: Mercado Apartments - Assignment, Assumption and Amendment to Loan Documents........................................................................................................................18 Minutes of Monday, September 8, 2025 Page 2
Table of Contents (Continued)
REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION................................................................................19 ADJOURNMENT .................................................................................................................19 Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 3
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, September 8, 2025
CHRONOLOGY OF THE MEETING
The meeting was called to order by Council President LaCava at 10:03 a.m. The meeting was recessed by Council President LaCava at 10:15 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 Councilmember Campillo and Councilmember Elo-Rivera not present. Councilmember Elo-Rivera arrived to the meeting at 2:05 p.m. Council President Pro Tem Lee left the meeting at 4:16 p.m.
Councilmember Campbell left the meeting at 5:04 p.m. Councilmember Moreno left the meeting at 5:13 p.m. The meeting was adjourned by Council President LaCava at 6:05 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
(4) Councilmember Foster-present
(5) Councilmember von Wilpert-not present
(6) Council President Pro Tem Lee-present
(7) Councilmember Campillo-present
(8) Councilmember Moreno-present
(9) Councilmember Elo-Rivera-present
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 4
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, September 8, 2025
INVOCATION
The invocation was given by City Clerk Diana J.S. Fuentes.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Statement read by Council President Pro Tem Lee.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council President Pro Tem Lee.
CLOSED SESSION
Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
CS-1 Manuel Duran v. City of San Diego, et al.
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 24CU015105C
Risk Management Department Claim File No. 36624
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 CDCA Assigned: D. E. Abad
This case arises from a motor vehicle versus pedestrian accident which occurred January 17, 2024, on El Cajon Boulevard and involved a City-owned vehicle. 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: 10:03 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 5
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, September 8, 2025
Conference with Legal Counsel – Significant Exposure to Litigation, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2):
CS-2 Pre-Litigation - California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Claim Risk Management Department Claim File No. 28416
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 CDCA Assigned: D. E. Abad
This claim involves alleged damage to Caltrans property caused by watermain ruptures in the vicinity of 11th Avenue and A Street, and Balboa Park. The City Attorney’s Office will update the Mayor and City Council on the status of the matter and seek direction.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 10:03 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-3 Larry Speller v. City of San Diego
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2023-00023760-CU-PO-CTL Risk Management Department Claim File No. 30837
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 DCA Assigned: A. M. Poplin
This case arises from a trip-and-fall incident in the 1500 block of National Avenue on June 27, 2022. Plaintiff alleges he was forced to walk in the street because both sidewalks were blocked by homeless encampments, and that he subsequently tripped on a pothole in the roadway. 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: 10:03 AM
Public testimony by TheOriginalDra.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 6
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, September 8, 2025
CS-4 Terry Wilson v. City of San Diego
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2024-00011752-CU-PO-CTL Risk Management Department Claim File No. 34047
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 DCA Assigned: J. P. Pearson
This case arises from a trip-and-fall accident which occurred on March 16, 2023, at the intersection of Front Street and West Lewis 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.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 10:03 AM
Public testimony by TheOriginalDra and Joy Sunyata.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
CS-5 Toya Hasia-Welch v. City of San Diego
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2023-00032169-CU-NP-CTL Risk Management Department Claim File No. 30762
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 DCA Assigned: I. G. Williamson
This case challenges the City’s delinquent parking ticket collection process. 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: 10:03 AM
Public testimony by TheOriginalDra.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
PUBLIC COMMENT-1:
Eleanor commented on health.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:04 PM
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 7
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, September 8, 2025
PUBLIC COMMENT-2:
Michael Brando commented on health.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:06 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-3:
Purita Javier commented on ceramics toxicity in residential zone community.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:10 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-4:
Cesar Javier commented on ceramics business toxicity in residential zone community.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:12 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-5:
Chad Heatherly commented on parking in Balboa Park.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:14 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-6:
Karen Vogue commented on trash tax.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:16 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-7:
Patricia McClurg commented on fiscal responsibility; request 1.5 additional minutes since last public comment overridden by weather and music.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:18 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-8:
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 8
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, September 8, 2025
Michelle Phiffer Lima Thurman Bernard commented on social security reinstatement funding.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:20 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-9:
Evelyn commented on kids.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:23 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-10:
Allegedly Audra commented on chips.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:25 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-11:
Ramos Lara commented on non-agenda/Balboa Park parking.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:27 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-12 (virtual):
Francine Maxwell commented on annual report.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:30 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-13 (virtual):
Madison commented on impacts of cannabis use.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:32 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-14 (virtual):
Andrea Ebbing commented on injustice.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:34 PM
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 9
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, September 8, 2025
PUBLIC COMMENT-15 (virtual):
Kathleen Lippitt commented on drug overdose.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:36 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-16 (virtual):
Barbara Gordon commented on marijuana outlets.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:38 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-17 (virtual):
Becky Rapp commented on smoke free housing protections.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:40 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-18 (virtual):
Terri-Ann Skelly commented on marijuana impaired driving.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:42 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-19 (virtual):
Blair Beekman commented on councilmembers leaving the council meetings early; and public comment on marijuana.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:44 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-20 (virtual):
Judi Strang commented on affordable housing; and impacts of smoking and vaping.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:46 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-21 (virtual):
Jamie commented on taxes and theft.
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 10 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, September 8, 2025
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:49 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-22 (virtual):
Paul the Bold commented on trash fees.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:51 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-23 (virtual):
Megan Stuart commented on marijuana use and psychiatric disorders.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:53 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-24 (virtual):
Bob Kuczewski commented on Torrey Pines Gliderport.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:55 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-25 (virtual):
Joy Sunyata commented on public servants.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:57 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-26 (virtual):
Gambler commented on homeless.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:59 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-27 (virtual):
Ernie Casco commented on Torrey Pines Gliderport.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:02 PM
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 11 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, September 8, 2025
MAYOR, COUNCIL, CITY ATTORNEY, INDEPENDENT BUDGET ANALYST, CITY CLERK
COMMENT
MAYORAL COMMENT:
Mayor Gloria announced Landry Gage, an eighth grader from Pershing Middle School and District 7 resident, as the 2025 “Mayor for the Day.” He praised Landry’s achievements in Girl Scouts, Model UN, and her passion for housing and the environment, saying she has all the makings of a future Mayor. Landry spent the day shadowing City departments, meeting the City Attorney, and touring projects like Terminal 1, with the hope that the experience encourages her and others to pursue leadership and public service.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:05 PM
COUNCIL COMMENT-1:
Councilmember von Wilpert commented on the sad news of another school shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, where two students were killed, and a 12-yearold girl remains in intensive care. She emphasized the need for stronger action to prevent such tragedies, noting that effective tools like gun violence restraining orders and universal background checks already exist. Councilmember von Wilpert urged the nation to act before another school shooting occurs.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:10 PM
CITY CLERK COMMENT:
City Clerk Fuentes encouraged everyone to visit the new digital kiosks located in the City Administration Building on the first-floor lobby, 12th floor lobby, and Council chambers. These kiosks allow users to view City Council agendas with backup materials, submit e-comments, and access public notices, room reservation schedules, and information on City boards and commissions. She also invited the public to complete a survey on public engagement available on the kiosks and via QR codes in the room.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:04 PM
Item S400: Authorize the First Amendment to Lease Agreement Between the City of San Diego and the Zoological Society of San Diego for the San Diego Zoo Property Located in Balboa Park.
Total Estimated Cost of Proposed Action and Funding Source:
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 12 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, September 8, 2025
There are no fiscal considerations associated with this lease amendment; however, this action will allow the San Diego Wildlife Alliance to better align parking fees for the Zoo Parking Lot with membership and operational needs.
Council District(s) Affected: 3.
Proposed Actions:
(R-2026-88) ADOPTED AS RESOLUTION R-316408
Resolution of the Council of the City of San Diego approving the First Amendment to Lease Agreement between the City of San Diego and the Zoological Society of San Diego for the San Diego Zoo property located in Balboa Park, and waiving application of Part V(C)(6) of Council Policy 700-10.
Committee Actions Taken: N/A
Economic Development: Casey Smith, (619) 301-9199
City Attorney Contact: William W. Witt
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:12 PM
MOTION BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL 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, Sean Elo-Rivera;
Nay: Vivian Moreno;
Recused: (None);
Not Present: Raul A. Campillo.
NOTE: The following Public Notice was for public record only. This item did not require Council action or public testimony.
Item S401: Submission of Ballot Proposals for the June 2, 2026, Ballot.
City Council Policy 000-21 establishes a procedure for submittal of ballot proposals to the City Council, by members of the public, Councilmembers, the Mayor or mayoral departments, independent department directors or a public agency. Ballot proposals may be submitted to the Office of the City Clerk. The City Clerk shall then transmit them promptly to Rules Committee Consultant. The Office of the City Clerk has established the following calendar for the ballot proposals for the June 2, 2026, election. Please submit all proposals to [email protected].
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 13 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, September 8, 2025
Date E- Event
Friday, 10/24/2025 221
LAST DATE (5:00 P.M. DEADLINE) for ballot proposals
submissions to the City Clerk for review by Committee.
Wednesday,11/05/2025 209
Committee Meeting Review may Begin
The Committee Consultant shall place the proposals
on the Committee meeting agenda for subsequent
review and comment by the Committee. The
Committee may approve or reject proposals submitted
for review. Ballot proposals may advance from initial
review and proceed to a second Committee review.
Only proposals approved or forwarded to the full
Council by the Committee may be acted upon by
Council.
Monday, 01/05/2026 148
FIRST DAY City Council may discuss ballot proposals
and adopt ordinances prepared by the City Attorney to
place measures on the ballot.
Friday, 03/06/2026 88
LAST DAY City Council may discuss measures and
adopt ordinances prepared by the City Attorney to
place measures on the ballot.
Monday, 03/09/2026 85
LAST DAY to submit the Fiscal Impact Analysis; Ballot
and Title Summary; and Impartial Analysis with City
Clerk.
Wednesday, 03/11/2026 83 LAST DAY to file ballot arguments with City Clerk.
Subscribe to receive City Council and Rules Committee agenda notifications. For additional public notices, visit https://www.sandiego.gov/city-clerk/officialdocs/public-notices.
If you have questions, please contact the Office of the City Clerk at [email protected] or (619) 533-4000.
This does not include other processes, such as citizen initiatives, that can place a measure on a ballot.
Item S402: Balboa Park/San Diego High School Connections Report.
Total Estimated Cost of Proposed Action and Funding Source: N/A Council District(s) Affected: 3.
Proposed Actions:
ITEM PRESENTED
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 14 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, September 8, 2025
This item is informational only.
Committee Actions Taken: N/A
Council District 1: Brian Elliott, (619) 510-6874
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 4:15 PM
Item S403: Approval of an Affordable Housing Loan Agreement with 73rd Street Investors, L.P., in an Amount of $3,000,000 for the 73rd Street Apartments Affordable Housing Project.
Total Estimated Cost of Proposed Action and Funding Source:
The cost of this loan agreement is not-to-exceed $3,000,000 from the Low- and ModerateIncome Housing Asset Fund (LMIHAF).
Council District(s) Affected: 9.
Proposed Actions:
(R-2026-87) ADOPTED AS RESOLUTION R-316409
Resolution of the Council of the City of San Diego approving the Loan Agreement for the 73rd Street Apartments affordable housing project within the College Area Community Plan of the City of San Diego and authorizing a related loan in an amount not-to-exceed $3,000,000 to the project developer, 73rd Street Investors, L.P.
Committee Actions Taken:
This item was heard at the Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations Committee meeting on September 3, 2025.
ACTION: Motion by Vice Chair Foster, second by Committee Member Campbell, to recommend Council approval of staff’s proposed actions.
VOTE: 4-0; Campillo-yea, Foster III-yea, Campbell-yea, Lee-yea.
Economic Development: Christina Bibler, (619) 236-6421
City Attorney Contact: William W. Witt
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:55 PM
MOTION BY SEAN ELO-RIVERA TO ADOPT. Second by Henry L. Foster III.
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 15 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, September 8, 2025
Passed by the following vote:
Yea: Joe LaCava, Jennifer Campbell, Stephen Whitburn, Henry L. Foster III, Marni von Wilpert, Kent Lee, Vivian Moreno, Sean Elo-Rivera;
Nay: (None);
Recused: (None);
Not Present: Raul A. Campillo.
Item S404: Approval of an Affordable Housing Loan Agreement with Market Street Senior Housing, L.P., in an Amount of $5,000,000 for the Market Street Apartments Affordable Housing Project.
Total Estimated Cost of Proposed Action and Funding Source:
The cost of this loan agreement is not-to-exceed $5,000,000 from the Low- and ModerateIncome Housing Asset Fund (LMIHAF).
Council District(s) Affected: 4.
Proposed Actions:
(R-2026-72) ADOPTED AS RESOLUTION R-316410
Resolution of the Council of the City of San Diego approving the Loan Agreement for the Market Street Apartments Affordable Senior Housing Project within the Encanto Community Plan Area and authorizing a related loan in an amount not-to-exceed $5 million to the Project Developer, Market Street Senior Housing, LP.
Committee Actions Taken:
This item was heard at the Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations Committee meeting on September 3, 2025.
ACTION: Motion by Vice Chair Foster, second by Committee Member Campbell, to recommend Council approval of staff’s proposed actions.
VOTE: 4-0; Campillo-yea, Foster III-yea, Campbell-yea, Lee-yea Economic Development: Christina Bibler, (619) 236-6421
City Attorney Contact: Kate Malcolm
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:55 PM
MOTION BY HENRY L. FOSTER III TO ADOPT. Second by Sean Elo-Rivera.
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 16 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, September 8, 2025
Passed by the following vote:
Yea: Joe LaCava, Jennifer Campbell, Stephen Whitburn, Henry L. Foster III, Marni von Wilpert, Kent Lee, Vivian Moreno, Sean Elo-Rivera;
Nay: (None);
Recused: (None);
Not Present: Raul A. Campillo.
Item S405: Mercado Apartments - Assignment, Assumption and Amendment to Loan Documents.
Total Estimated Cost of Proposed Action and Funding Source:
No fiscal considerations for this action.
Council District(s) Affected: 8.
Proposed Actions:
(R-2026-75) ADOPTED AS RESOLUTION R-316411
Resolution approving the assignment, assumption, and amendment of loan documents for the affordable housing project known as Mercado Apartments at 2001 Newton Avenue in the Barrio Logan Community Plan Area.
Committee Actions Taken:
This item was heard at the Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations Committee meeting on September 3, 2025.
ACTION: Motion by Vice Chair Foster, second by Committee Member Campbell, to recommend Council approval of staff’s proposed actions.
VOTE: 4-0; Campillo-yea, Foster III-yea, Campbell-yea, Lee-yea Economic Development: Christina Bibler, (619) 236-6421
City Attorney Contact: Marguerite Ella Middaugh
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 3:47 PM
MOTION BY VIVIAN MORENO TO ADOPT. Second by Henry L. Foster III.
Passed by the following vote:
Yea: Joe LaCava, Jennifer Campbell, Stephen Whitburn, Henry L. Foster III, Marni von Wilpert, Kent Lee, Vivian Moreno, Sean Elo-Rivera;
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 17 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, September 8, 2025
Nay: (None);
Recused: (None);
Not Present: Raul A. Campillo.
REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
The City Attorney gave a report out from Closed Session. https://www.sandiego.gov/city-clerk/officialdocs/closed-session-reports COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:04 PM
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by Council President LaCava at 6:05 p.m.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:05 PM