THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
OF
MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2026
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 ..............................................................................................................4 INVOCATION...........................................................................................................4 LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT......................................................................................4 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ..........................................................................................4 CLOSED SESSION ....................................................................................................5 NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT..............................................................................8
MAYOR, COUNCIL, CITY ATTORNEY, INDEPENDENT BUDGET ANALYST, CITY CLERK COMMENT .............................................................................................................11 Item 200: Presentation of the Fiscal Year 2027 Draft Budget.....................................11 Item 201: Approval of an Affordable Housing Loan Agreement with Alpha Street Housing, L.P., in an Amount of $4,500,000 for the 40th & Alpha Apartments Affordable Housing Project......................................................................................................12 Item 250: Submission of Ballot Proposals for the November 3, 2026, Ballot................13 Item 251: Ballot Propositions Forwarded for 2nd Committee Review ...........................15 REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION ....................................................................15 ADJOURNMENT......................................................................................................16 Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 3
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, April 20, 2026
CHRONOLOGY OF THE MEETING
The meeting was called to order by Council President LaCava at 10:04 a.m.
Councilmember Foster arrived to the meeting at 10:11 a.m. Council President LaCava recessed the meeting at 10:15 a.m. to convene the Special Housing Authority meeting.
Council President LaCava reconvened the regular meeting at 10:19 a.m. with Councilmember von Wilpert and Councilmember Elo-Rivera not present. 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 Councilmember Foster, Councilmember von Wilpert, Council President Pro Tem Lee, and Councilmember Elo-Rivera not present. Councilmember Foster and Council President Pro Tem Lee arrived to the meeting at 2:06 p.m. Councilmember Elo-Rivera arrived to the meeting at 2:17 p.m. Councilmember von Wilpert arrived to the meeting at 2:27 p.m. Councilmember Campbell left the meeting at 5:30 p.m. Councilmember Foster left the meeting at 7:39 p.m. Council President LaCava recessed the meeting at 8:00 p.m. to convene the Special Housing Authority meeting. Council President LaCava reconvened the regular meeting at 8:01 p.m. with Councilmember Campbell and Councilmember Foster not present. The meeting was adjourned by Council President LaCava at 8:02 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)
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 3
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, April 20, 2026
ROLL CALL
(1) Council President LaCava-present
(2) Councilmember Campbell-present
(3) Councilmember Whitburn-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-not present
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 Brietta Cooper v. City of San Diego
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 4
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, April 20, 2026
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2023-00034308-CU-PA-CTL Risk Management Department Claim File No. 33851
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2026
DCA Assigned: A. M. Poplin
This case arises from a single-vehicle motorcycle crash allegedly caused by potholes at the intersection of Rancho Bernardo Road and Bernardo Center Drive on March 12, 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: 10:06 AM
Public testimony by TheOriginalDra.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
CS-2 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, APRIL 20, 2026
DCA: Assigned: I. G. Williamson
CDCA: Assigned: D. E. Abad
This case arises from claims about the City’s process of collecting on delinquent parking tickets. 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 TheOriginalDra and Blair Beekman.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 5
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, April 20, 2026
Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
CS-3 Daniel Patz v. City of San Diego
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2015-00023413-CU-MC-CTL Risk Management Department Claim File No. 12386
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2026
DCA Assigned: C. C. Hawkins
Outside Counsel: M. A. Wharton, Senior Counsel, Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley PC 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 Mayor and City Council on the status of the lawsuit and seek direction.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 10:06 AM
Public testimony by TheOriginalDra and Blair Beekman.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
Conference with Real Property Negotiator, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.8:
CS-4 Property: 3220, 3240, 3250, and 3500 Sports Arena Boulevard, San Diego, California
Agency Negotiator: Christina Bibler, Economic Development Director Casey Smith, Deputy Chief Operating Officer
Negotiating Parties: City of San Diego and Midway Rising, LLC Under Negotiation: Price and payment terms for potential long-term ground leases with Midway Rising, LLC, to redevelop the City-owned real property located at 3220, 3240, 3250, and 3500 Sports Arena Boulevard, San Diego, CA Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 6
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, April 20, 2026
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2026
DCA Assigned: D. Williams, Senior Deputy City Attorney
K. Reisch, Senior Deputy City Attorney
M. Ables, Chief Deputy City Attorney
The Council will meet with its negotiator regarding the price and payment terms for potential long-term ground leases with Midway Rising, LLC, to redevelop the Cityowned real property located at 3220, 3240, 3250, and 3500 Sports Arena Boulevard, San Diego.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 10:06 AM
Public testimony by TheOriginalDra, Blair Beekman, and Mandy Havlik.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
PUBLIC COMMENT-1:
Enjolie Arjonaon commented on youth support with mental health.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 7:24 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-2:
Mary Soriano commented on no AT&T in Clairemont; and homeless ticketing.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 7:26 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-3:
Anthony Ralphs commented on flock, budget proposal 2027; and International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance defining antisemitism.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 7:29 PM
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 7
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, April 20, 2026
PUBLIC COMMENT-4 (virtual):
TheOriginalDra commented on police issues; and conspiracy.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 7:31 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-5 (virtual):
Barbara Gordon commented on not implementing the cannabis equity program.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 7:33 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-6 (virtual):
Katheryn Rhodes commented on information on reform measures for the Transient Occupancy Tax.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 7:35 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-7 (virtual):
Blair Beekman commented on police issues; unhoused issues; and peace not war.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 7:37 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-8 (virtual):
John Stump commented on climate change.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 7:39 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-9 (virtual):
Travis Bushard commented on flock; and climate change.
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 8
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, April 20, 2026
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 7:41 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-10 (virtual):
Francine Maxwell commented on trust.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 7:43 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-11 (virtual):
Ernie Casco commented on Torrey Pines Gliderport.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 7:45 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-12 (virtual):
Hector commented on parking ticket.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 7:47 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-13 (virtual):
Becky Rapp invited everyone to San Pasqual Academy annual service day.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 7:49 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-14 (virtual):
Kathleen Lippitt commented on the Social Equity and Economic Development Program.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 7:51 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-15 (virtual):
Terri-Ann Skelly commented on heart disease from marijuana use.
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 9
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, April 20, 2026
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 7:53 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-16 (virtual):
Madison commented on effects of marijuana.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 7:55 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-17 (virtual):
Marco Espinosa commented on safety traffic bollards along areas of Boston Avenue.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 7:57 PM
MAYOR, COUNCIL, CITY ATTORNEY, INDEPENDENT BUDGET ANALYST, CITY CLERK
COMMENT
None.
Item 200: Presentation of the Fiscal Year 2027 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
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 10 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, April 20, 2026
Department of Finance: Benjamin Battaglia, (619) 533-3717 COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:26 PM
Item 201: Approval of an Affordable Housing Loan Agreement with Alpha Street Housing, L.P., in an Amount of $4,500,000 for the 40th & Alpha Apartments Affordable Housing Project.
Total Estimated Cost of Proposed Action and Funding Source:
The loan agreement will be funded with $4,500,000 from the City's Low and Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund.
Council District(s) Affected: 8.
Proposed Actions:
(R-2026-402) ADOPTED AS RESOLUTION R-316719
Resolution of the Council of the City of San Diego approving the Loan Agreement for the 40th and Alpha Apartments Affordable Housing Project within the Southeastern San Diego Community Plan Area, authorizing a loan in an amount not to exceed $4.5 million to the Project Developer, Alpha Street Housing, LP., and related actions.
Committee Actions Taken: N/A
Economic Development: Christina Bibler, (619) 236-6421
City Attorney Contact: Kate Malcolm
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:09 PM
MOTION BY VIVIAN MORENO TO ADOPT. Second by Raul A. Campillo.
Passed by the following vote:
Yea: Joe LaCava, Jennifer Campbell, Stephen Whitburn, Henry L. Foster III, Kent Lee, Raul A. Campillo, Vivian Moreno, Sean Elo-Rivera;
Nay: (None);
Recused: (None);
Not Present: Marni von Wilpert.
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 11 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, April 20, 2026
NOTE: The following Public Notices were for public record only. These items did not require Council action or public testimony.
Item 250: Submission of Ballot Proposals for the November 3, 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 November 3, 2026, election. Please submit all proposals to [email protected].
Date E- Event
Friday, 03/06/2026 242
LAST DATE (5:00 P.M. DEADLINE) for ballot
proposals submissions to the City Clerk for review by
Committee.
Wednesday, 03/18/2026 230
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, 06/08/2026 148
FIRST DAY City Council may discuss ballot proposals
and adopt ordinances prepared by the City Attorney
to place measures on the ballot.
Friday, 08/07/2026 88
LAST DAY City Council may discuss measures and
adopt ordinances prepared by the City Attorney to
place measures on the ballot (per the adopted
Legislative Calendar the last regular meeting of the
City Council prior to this date is July 14, 2026).
Monday, 08/10/2026 85
LAST DAY to submit the Fiscal Impact Analysis;
Ballot and Title Summary; and Impartial Analysis
with City Clerk.
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 12 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, April 20, 2026
Wednesday, 08/12/2026 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/publicnotices. 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 251: Ballot Propositions Forwarded for 2nd Committee Review.
The following ballot propositions have been referred from the Rules Committee to a second hearing for consideration for placement on a future ballot as noted.
Proposal Target Ballot
Consideration of a ballot measure proposed by Katheryn Rhodes to amend the Municipal Code related to Transient Occupancy Tax, including, reclassifying online travel companies/agencies as hotel operators.
November 3, 2026
Consideration of a ballot measure proposed by Zachary Russem to amend the Transient Occupancy Tax to apply to online and other travel companies.
November 3, 2026
Consideration of a ballot measure proposed by Councilmember Raul Campillo to establish free parking at beaches and bays in the City of San Diego.
November 3, 2026
Consideration of a ballot measure proposed by Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee to advance fiscal accountability and
transparency reform with an amendment to remove term limits for the City Auditor.
November 3, 2026
Consideration of a ballot measure proposed by Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera to reform campaign finance and ethics laws.
November 3, 2026
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: 7:59 PM
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 13 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, April 20, 2026
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 14 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, April 20, 2026
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by Council President LaCava at 8:02 p.m.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 8:02 PM