THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
OF
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 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 .........................................................................................8
MAYOR, COUNCIL, CITY ATTORNEY, INDEPENDENT BUDGET ANALYST, CITY CLERK COMMENT ........................................................................................................................................11 Item 200: Rescinding Council Policy 100-18 & Allocating Funds to the Transportation Department for Expedited Delivery......................................................................................12 Item 201: Authorize the Use of City Forces for CIP Project Sidewalk Replacement Group 2530 – UC & M (B26003) and Amend Appropriations in the FY 2026 Budget for Transportation Department.......................................................................................................................12 Item 202: Public Right-of-Way Vacation for a Portion of Beech Street – Project No. PRJ1090972............................................................................................................................13 Item 250: Submission of Ballot Proposals for the June 2, 2026 Ballot....................................15 REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION................................................................................16 ADJOURNMENT .................................................................................................................16 Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 2
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, September 29, 2025
CHRONOLOGY OF THE MEETING
The meeting was called to order by Council President Pro Tem Lee at 10:08 a.m. The meeting was recessed by Council President Pro Tem Lee at 10:22 a.m. into Closed Session, to be reconvened at 2:00 p.m.
The meeting was reconvened by Council President LaCava at 2:06 p.m. with Councilmember Foster not present. The meeting was adjourned by Council President LaCava at 3:23 p.m.
ATTENDANCE DURING THE MEETING
PRESENT:
CD-1 Council President Joe LaCava
CD-2 Councilmember Jennifer Campbell
CD-3 Councilmember Stephen Whitburn
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:
CD-4 Councilmember Henry L. Foster III
CITY CLERK:
Fuentes (km)
ROLL CALL
(1) Council President LaCava-not present
(2) Councilmember Campbell-present
(3) Councilmember Whitburn-not present
(4) Councilmember Foster-not 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
INVOCATION
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 3
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, September 29, 2025
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 Steven Lee Wilson, et al. v. City of San Diego, et al.
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 25CU032027C
Risk Management Department Claim File No. 39289
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 CDCA Assigned: K. Phillips
This action arises out of an officer involved shooting that occurred on January 28, 2025, at the Santa Fe Depot. 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: 10:10 AM
Public testimony by Blair Beekman, Joy Sunyata, TheOriginalDra, and Zoom User.
Council President Pro Tem Lee closed the hearing.
CS-2 L.J., a minor, by and through his Guardian ad Litem Karyn Jones, an individual v. Poway Unified School District, et al.
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2020-00021789-CU-CR-NC Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 4
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, September 29, 2025
Risk Management Department Claim File No. 22625
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 SDCA Assigned: J. J. McQuarrie
This case arises from the detention of a minor on May 7, 2019. Plaintiff, through his Guardian ad Litem, claims he was unlawfully detained and handcuffed by the San Diego Police Department. 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: 10:10 AM
Public testimony by Joy Sunyata, TheOriginalDra, and Zoom User.
Council President Pro Tem Lee closed the hearing.
Conference with Legal Counsel – Significant Exposure to Litigation, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2):
CS-3 John Oliver Wood v. City of San Diego
Risk Management Department Claim File No. 39672
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 SCDCA Assigned: K. Zlotnik
Outside Counsel: E. Tala, Esq. and M. Meyerhoff, Esq., Liebert Cassidy Whitmore This matter arises from a claim by former Assistant Fire Chief John Wood, who alleges wrongful conduct relating to his employment with the City of San Diego. The City Attorney’s Office will update the Mayor and City Council on the status of the claim and seek direction.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 10:10 AM
Public testimony by Joy Sunyata and TheOriginalDra.
Council President Pro Tem Lee closed the hearing.
Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
CS-4 Ali Polidori v. The City of San Diego, et al.
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 5
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, September 29, 2025
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 24CU001477C
Risk Management Department Claim File No. 35441
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 SDCA Assigned: G. F. Schaefer
Lead DCA Assigned: M. T. Neff
This case arises from the near drowning of Ali Polidori who was struck by a San Diego lifeguard jet ski during rescue operations in La Jolla Cove 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: 10:10 AM
Public testimony by Joy Sunyata, TheOriginalDra, and Zoom User.
Council President Pro Tem Lee closed the hearing.
CS-5 Celerina Frilles and Matt Frilles v. City of San Diego San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2020-00015947-CU-CR-CTL Risk Management Department Claim File No. 22724
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 DCA Assigned: P. H. James
This case involves personal injury and disability access claims asserted by Plaintiffs Celerina and Matt Frilles arising from a vehicle-pedestrian collision that occurred on December 24, 2018. 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: 10:10 AM
Public testimony by Joy Sunyata, TheOriginalDra, and Zoom User.
Council President Pro Tem Lee closed the hearing.
CS-6 Amy Alexander v. City of San Diego
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2024-00019005-CU-PO-CTL Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 6
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, September 29, 2025
Risk Management Department Claim File No. 35210
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 DCA Assigned: D. M. Florence
This case arises from a trip and fall incident where Plaintiff Amy Alexander alleges that the condition of a City sidewalk caused her to trip and fall, sustaining significant injuries to her left shoulder and right knee. 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: 10:10 AM
Public testimony by TheOriginalDra.
Council President Pro Tem Lee closed the hearing.
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
PUBLIC COMMENT-1:
Mary Davis commented on political violence and incitement.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:39 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-2:
Scott Chipman commented on parking district/agendized.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:41 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-3:
Ron Askeland commented on La Jolla Cove.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:43 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-4:
Nathan Brenner commented on management at La Jolla Cove.
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 7
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, September 29, 2025
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:46 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-5:
Robyn Davidoff commented on La Jolla Cove.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:48 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-6:
Andrea Ebbing commented on driving revenue with feeder markets and bringing back ConVis.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:50 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-7 (virtual):
Blair Beekman commented on trash and parking issues.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:53 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-8 (virtual):
TheOriginalDra commented on preserving wildlife and technology.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:55 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-9 (virtual):
Peggy Walker commented on marijuana use and psychosis.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:57 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-10 (virtual):
Joy Sunyata commented on grocery prices and County of San Diego.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:59 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-11 (virtual):
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 8
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, September 29, 2025
Ernie Casco commented on Torrey Pines Gliderport.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 3:01 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-12 (virtual):
Megan Stuart commented on long term effects of marijuana products for youth and young adults.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 3:03 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-13 (virtual):
Madison commented on substance use and mental health.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 3:06 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-14 (virtual):
Francine Maxwell commented on Race and Equity report.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 3:08 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-15 (virtual):
Terri-Ann Skelly commented on marijuana impaired driving.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 3:10 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-16 (virtual):
Barbara Gordon commented on concerns about intoxicating, mind-altering products.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 3:12 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-17 (virtual):
Consuelo commented on digital coupons and cannabis.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 3:13 PM
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 9
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, September 29, 2025
PUBLIC COMMENT-18 (virtual):
Judi Strang commented on County of San Diego’s budget and on smoke-free public places.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 3:16 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-19 (virtual):
Kathleen Lippitt commented on La Jolla Cove and exempting marijuana businesses from CEQA.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 3:18 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-20 (virtual):
Becky Rapp commented on effects of substance use on mental health.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 3:20 PM
MAYOR, COUNCIL, CITY ATTORNEY, INDEPENDENT BUDGET ANALYST, CITY CLERK
COMMENT
COUNCIL COMMENT-1:
Council President LaCava thanked Council President Pro Tem Lee for chairing the meeting this morning.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:07 PM
Item 200: Rescinding Council Policy 100-18 & Allocating Funds to the Transportation Department for Expedited Delivery.
Total Estimated Cost of Proposed Action and Funding Source:
The proposed actions will provide an additional 15% in parking meter revenues annually ($2M- $2.5M) to invest in safer streets, improved infrastructure, and sustainable mobility.
This action will increase general fund appropriations in FY26 by $1.8 million to be reimbursed by eligible CPD funds. With the associated increase in revenue, there is no net increase in General Fund appropriations.
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 10 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, September 29, 2025
Council District(s) Affected: Citywide.
Proposed Actions:
(R-2026-113) RETURNED TO STAFF
Resolution repealing Council Policy 100-18, titled Community Parking District, and related actions.
Committee Actions Taken: N/A
Transportation Department: Maggie McCormick, (619) 323-7318 City Attorney Contact: Cassandra Mougin
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:08 PM
Item 201: Authorize the Use of City Forces for CIP Project Sidewalk Replacement Group 2530 – UC & M (B26003) and Amend Appropriations in the FY 2026 Budget for Transportation Department.
Total Estimated Cost of Proposed Action and Funding Source:
This action will authorize to expend an amount not to exceed $1,900,000.00 for City Forces Work related expenses for CIP AIK00003, Sidewalk Repair & Replacement (B26003 Sidewalk Replacement Group 2530 - UC & M) and amend appropriations in the FY 2026 Budget for Transportation Department.
Council District(s) Affected: 6.
Proposed Actions:
Subitem-A: (R-2026-114) ADOPTED AS RESOLUTION R-316442
Resolution determining that the authorization to use City Forces to complete the Sidewalk Replacement Group 2530 – UC & M project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act Pursuant to Sections 15301 and 15302 of the CEQA Guidelines.
Subitem-B: (R-2026-115) ADOPTED AS RESOLUTION R-316443
Resolution authorizing the use of City forces for CIP Project Sidewalk Replacement Group 2530 – UC & M in an amount not-to-exceed $1,900,000.
Committee Actions Taken: N/A
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 11 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, September 29, 2025
Transportation Department: Philip Lowrey, (619) 527-7653 City Attorney Contact: Dominic Guglielmo
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:08 PM
MOTION BY KENT LEE TO ADOPT. Second by Vivian Moreno.
Passed by the following vote:
Yea: Joe LaCava, Jennifer Campbell, Stephen Whitburn, Marni von Wilpert, Kent Lee, Raul A.
Campillo, Vivian Moreno, Sean Elo-Rivera;
Nay: (None);
Recused: (None);
Not Present: Henry L. Foster III.
Item 202: Public Right-of-Way Vacation for a Portion of Beech Street – Project No. PRJ1090972.
Total Estimated Cost of Proposed Action and Funding Source:
All costs associated with the processing of the application are recovered through a fee paid for by the applicant.
Council District(s) Affected: 9.
Proposed Actions:
Subitem-A: (R-2026-96) ADOPTED AS RESOLUTION R-316444
Resolution determining that the approval of the Beech Street Public Right-of-Way Vacation PRJ1090972 is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under CEQA Guidelines section 15332.
Subitem-A: This item is not subject to the Mayor's veto.
Subitem-B: (R-2026-95) ADOPTED AS RESOLUTION R-316445
Resolution approving Public Right-of-Way Vacation No. PMT-3221022 to vacate a portion of the public right-of-way on Beech Street, located adjacent to 3698 Cactusview Drive and 1504 Parrot Street – Project No. PRJ-1090972.
Subitem-B: This item is not subject to the Mayor's veto.
Committee Actions Taken: N/A
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 12 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, September 29, 2025
Development Services: Jose Bautista, (619) 557-7983
City Attorney Contact: Noah Brazier
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:29 PM
Public testimony by TheOriginalDra and Blair Beekman.
MOTION BY SEAN ELO-RIVERA TO ADOPT. Second by Stephen Whitburn.
Passed by the following vote:
Yea: Joe LaCava, Jennifer Campbell, Stephen Whitburn, Marni von Wilpert, Kent Lee, Raul A.
Campillo, Vivian Moreno, Sean Elo-Rivera;
Nay: (None);
Recused: (None);
Not Present: Henry L. Foster III.
NOTE: The following Public Notice was for public record only. This item did not require Council action or public testimony.
Item 250: 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].
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.
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 13 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, September 29, 2025
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.
REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
None.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by Council President LaCava at 3:23 p.m.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 3:23 PM